December 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New article - the Marine Mammals Management Toolkit
by Tom Dallison 03 Dec '24

03 Dec '24

Dear MARMAM Colleagues, We are pleased to share with you a new article in Marine Policy that highlights the use of the Marine Mammals Management Toolkit (www.marine-mammals.info) to support marine managers, decision makers and Governments to increase the effectiveness of their conservation strategies in Area-based Management Tools for marine mammals while implementing their regional and international commitments. The Marine Mammals Management Toolkit, developed as part of the EU-funded Ocean Governance project’s Marine Mammal Twinning from 2020 to 2023, aimed strengthen the technical capacities of marine managers worldwide to effectively conserve marine mammals 🦭 LINK: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1k50t,714Munuz — Dallison, T; Manuel, S; Haskell, B; Staub, F. (2025). Effectively managing area-based management tools: A new toolkit for the conservation of Marine Mammals. Marine Policy. 172, S. 106492, doi:10.1016/j.marpol.2024.106492 <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2024.106492>. Marine mammals play crucial roles in marine ecosystem function yet are threatened by increasing pressures from anthropogenic activities within marine ecosystems. Area-based Management Tools (ABMT) are key for their conservation and protection, yet their effectiveness is often hindered by lack of resources, technical capacity and political support. Yet, ABMTs are grounded in local, national, regional, and international agreements and policy frameworks including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). To support marine managers, the “Marine Mammals Management Toolkit” was developed and is composed of three core components, including the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT), founded on the Protected Area Management Effectiveness (PAME) framework, and is a multiple-choice tool that enables managers to evaluate the effectiveness of management plans regarding marine mammals through the production of a Management Effectiveness Score (MES). The SAT has been utilised across 24 MPAs in 18 countries. Two case studies are provided on its application. The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS) evaluated their existing management plan, and scored an MES value of 7.8 with the Bermuda Marine Mammal Sanctuary (BMMS) scoring 4.7. The results of the SAT enabled the Bermudian Government to make informed decisions in developing a Marine Spatial Plan for the BMMS, and enables SBNMS to set a baseline to track effectiveness over the life-time of SBNMS and respective management plans; guiding local and national policy, as well as enabling Bermuda and the United States of America to contribute to their international commitments. — Tom Dallison | Senior Project Manager Services related to the conservation and sustainable use of natural - terrestrial, coastal and marine - resources M: +44 (0) 774 552 7003 | skype : thomas.dallison(a)blue-pangolin.net Email: thomas.dallison(a)blue-pangolin.net <mailto:thomas.dallison@blue-pangolin.net>| www.blue-pangolin.net <http://www.blue-pangolin.net/> | Follow us on LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-pangolin-consulting/> Blue Pangolin is the Designated Administrative Representative (DAR) to the International Coral Reef Initiative <http://www.icriforum.org/> (ICRI)

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Job Opening: Marine Mammal Research Position at Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
by Beatriz Tintore 03 Dec '24

03 Dec '24

*Marine Mammal Research Assistant Positions* Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation is recruiting for the following positions 1. Marine Mammal Research Assistant LOCATION - EASTERN AEGEAN SEA, GREECE http://archipelago.gr/ <http://archipelago.gr/en/> Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation has 2 open job positions for “Marine Mammal Research Assistant” to assist with our marine mammal research and conservation efforts. We are recruiting for both short - term and long term cooperation. Start date: We are looking for candidates able to start in January 2025, but are also open to receive applications for candidates available at later dates DUTIES - Lead and supervise projects related to the monitoring of cetaceans, including survey design and data analysis. - Analyze photo-ID, behaviour and passive acoustic data and write up of relevant reports - Supervise group of students/ interns - Supervise research and data collection on board the research boats - Assist with outreach activities - Assist in everyday running of our research bases/ boats, including providing assistance to interns and contributing to general base management tasks ESSENTIAL REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: MSc Degree in marine sciences, with experience in marine mammal research Good comprehension of data collection methods and research and analysis principles and techniques Previous experience in analyzing marine mammal monitoring data Experience with Raven Pro and PAMGuard Experience in Rstudio or other statistical software and GIS Desirable experience managing and training students and/or volunteers Demonstrated leadership, supervision and team building skills Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships Ability to conduct fieldwork in all weather conditions Ability to write scientific reports and papers Fluency in English Fluency in Greek (optional) Valid international driver’s license or driver’s license for the EU (optional) WE OFFER For the duration of the trial period (1 month), travel expenses with full board and accommodation are covered, with the possibility of remuneration based on experience. For successful candidates, the remuneration package offered depends on the experience level of the applicant. OVERVIEW - LOCATION & OUR TEAM The Aegean Sea is a key Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot supporting some of the most important remaining populations of marine mammals and turtles in the Mediterranean. This includes bottlenose, short-beaked common, striped and Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales and Cuvier’s beaked whales, the highly endangered Mediterranean Monk seal, as well as loggerhead and green turtles. The research and conservation of marine mammals has been one of the key areas of focus of the Archipelagos Institute since its establishment in 1998. Our goal is to fill the important knowledge gaps regarding the distribution of marine mammal populations in the Greek Seas and the northeast Mediterranean, while also quantifying the factors that threaten their survival. Our research focuses on assessing populations and the interactions of cetaceans with fisheries and maritime traffic. Also monitored are the effects caused by overfishing and the various forms of pollution (plastic, chemical and noise pollution). Close cooperation with local communities is at the core of Archipelagos’ actions and an essential prerequisite for the implementation of any conservation action. Through the use of our research vessels, the team records behavioral and acoustic data, and photo-ID images, as well as documents vessel traffic data, macroplastic data, and seabird abundance. Our main goal is to use the data collected to develop successful, targeted management and conservation plans. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Please submit a current resume, a list of three references, and a cover letter expressing your interest to info(a)archipelago.gr *Beatriz Tintoré* *Project Manager of the Marine Mammal and Terrestrial Research Department* *Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation* *Doctoral Researcher - Brunel University London*

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PhD opportunity University of Sydney, Australia
by Rachael Gray 02 Dec '24

02 Dec '24

Please see below an opportunity for a Master's or PhD (preferred) project at the Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Sydney, NSW, Australia entitled 'Assessing the environmental impacts arising from burying marine wildlife carcasses containing euthanasia and sedative drugs'. This project comes with a partial PhD stipend. Project Synopsis: This is a collaborative and innovative project between the University of Sydney, DCCEEW, NSW Environment Protection Authority, and NSW Health Pathology. The project will evaluate tissue and environmental samples from buried cetaceans to understand impacts from euthanasia and sedative drugs and management options for carcass burials in the natural environment. The main aim of this project is to determine whether there are environmental impacts arising from the burial of marine wildlife carcasses. The project aims to: 1. Assess the persistence of euthanasia and sedative drugs in different organs of whale carcasses. 2. Determine if drugs leach from buried carcasses and, if so, assess the temporal and spatial extent and associated environmental harm, if any. 3. Investigate whether differing burial conditions affect persistence and leaching of the drugs from whale carcasses and their movement in the environment. With the assistance of scientists at DCCEEW and NSW Health Pathology, the candidate will extract and quantify euthanasia and sedative drugs in water, soil and animal tissues from whale carcass burial sites in NSW. The results of this project will be used to inform the management and burial of culturally significant marine carcasses in NSW. Further information can be found here: https://www.sydney.edu.au/research/opportunities/3468.html Dr Rachael Gray BVSc PhD Associate Professor Veterinary Pathology Sydney School of Veterinary Science The University of Sydney NSW 2006 Email: rachael.gray(a)sydney.edu.au<mailto:rachael.gray@sydney.edu.au> Phone: (02) 9351 2643 We acknowledge and pay our respects to the traditional custodians of the country on which The University of Sydney campuses stand and our responsibility to respect and care for country, people and spirit.

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Job Opportunity: Senior Database Engineer Florida manatee research and response program
by Krzystan, Andrea 02 Dec '24

02 Dec '24

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Marine Mammal Program (https://myfwc.com/research/manatee/) is hiring for a full-time Senior Database Engineer. This is a career service position with benefits and will be located in St. Petersburg, Florida. Salary: $72,100 annually Posting Closing Date: December 20, 2024 View the full position description and apply online here: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/ST-PETERSBURG-RESEARCH-SCIENTIST-FWC-7707189… Position Overview The incumbent will lead the FWRI Marine Mammal program data management team that provides spatial and non-spatial data management and analysis support for multiple long-term marine mammal research projects. The program collects a wide range of biological and environmental data including for mortalities and rescues, photo-identification, satellite and VHF telemetry, aerial surveys, genetics, behavior, and habitat characteristics, including water temperature. Working with current data management and program staff, they will develop and implement a long-term, holistic, data management vision for the Marine Mammal program, based on current and projected needs/growth and to ensure that practices secure data and facilitate the scientific data life cycle to achieve program objectives. Furthermore, as program SQL database administrator, they will be responsible for technical database design, management, programming, documentation, and planning, and play a leading role in project management related to the ongoing migration and development of a suite of data management applications for SQL relational databases, including the restructuring of existing Access and SQL databases, the development of new SQL relational databases, and creating associated stored procedures and other tools. Minimum Qualifications: 9 years of professional experience relevant to the position is required or a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences, computer science, or mathematics and five years of professional experience in one of the physical or natural sciences, computer science, or mathematics; or A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences, computer science, or mathematics and four years of professional experience as described above; or A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences, computer science, or mathematics and two years of professional experience as described above can substitute for the required experience. Preferred Qualifications: Preference may be given to candidates who possess a master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in natural, computer, or data sciences; candidates who have three or more years of professional experience in database design and management; or candidates who have experience with fish and wildlife data collection and analysis, relational database management, database and application programming, application development, project management, natural resource data management, and/or a doctorate from an accredited college or university in data science, computer science, or one of the natural sciences. Requirements: Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Not eligible for Telework. Responses to qualifying questions should be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume. Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment. Candidates selected for an interview may be asked to provide documents demonstrating, describing, and/or diagramming a relational database or application they have developed and maintained. The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: * State of Florida employees enjoy top-tier benefits offerings including comprehensive health coverage to meet the needs of you and your family while maintaining low deductibles and low monthly out-of-pocket contributions. State employees also enjoy the option of selecting between the FRS Pension Plan and the FRS Investment Plan for retirement. As an additional benefit, state employment affords you the opportunity to take part in the tuition waiver program within the state university and community college systems. * Biweekly Health Premiums $25.00 - Single / $90.00 - Family * No Cost $25,000 Life Insurance * Nine Paid State Holidays, One Personal Holiday per year * 4 hours Annual Leave and 4 hours Sick Leave accrued Biweekly * Retirement Plan Options * State University and College Tuition Waiver Program * On the Job Trainings * Support for family planning, including paid maternity leave, adoption benefits, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Family Supportive Work Program (FSWP), and paid leave for family and medical responsibilities for eligible employees. * Paid administrative leave for mentoring, volunteering, voting, and other reasons because we understand the importance of giving back to the community. For a more complete list of benefits, visit https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/ The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. VETERANS' PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans' Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.dms.myflorida.com%2Fcont…>. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement. Sincerely, Andrea Krzystan Marine Mammal Research Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 727-502-4733 (office) Andrea.Krzystan(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Andrea.Krzystan@MyFWC.com>

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New publication: Co-occurrence of harmful algal blooms and whale deaths (Gregory Silber)
by Greg Silber 02 Dec '24

02 Dec '24

My co-author and I are pleased to note the availability of a publication on the 'Co-occurrence of harmful algal blooms and whale deaths.' Silber, G.K. and K.M. Silber. 2024. Co-occurrence of Harmful Algal Blooms and whale deaths. Frontiers in Marine Science 11:1454656. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2024.1454656 Abstract Marine harmful algal blooms (HAB) have been implicated in marine mammal die-offs; but the relationship between sub-lethal algal toxicity and marine mammal vulnerability to human activities has not been assessed. HAB toxins can result in compromised neurological or muscular systems and we posit these conditions can expose marine mammals to increased likelihood of entanglement in commercial fishing gear or ship strike. To investigate whether HABs and large whale injuries and deaths were associated, we assessed the spatiotemporal co-occurrence of HAB events and large whale mortalities/injuries in U.S. east (from 2000-2021) and west (2007-2021) coastal waters. The number of mortalities/injuries was frequently higher in years with large-scale or severe HABs. We found statistically significant relationships between the occurrence of HABs and whale mortalities/injuries in west coast waters – at least three additional whale deaths/injuries were detected near an active HAB than in areas where a HAB was not reported. This relationship was similarly positive but weaker for east coast waters, a difference that may be attributable to differing oceanographic features, or approaches used in whale data collection, between coasts. Saxitoxin-producing Alexandrium was the most common causative agent on both the east (64.1%) and west (57.8%) coasts; and domoic acid-producing Pseudo-nitzschia was more common along the west (33.3%) than the east coast (8.7%). Algal toxins can be entrained in marine ecosystems, including in whale prey, and can chronically persist in marine mammals. Given many whale deaths/injuries result from fishing gear entanglement and vessel strikes, algal-induced morbidities may diminish whale capacities to detect or avoid fishing gear and approaching vessels. While there was much interannual variability, general increasing trends were observed in both whale death/injury and HAB datasets which may be attributable to increased monitoring or rising ocean temperatures. HAB prediction modeling has become increasingly sophisticated and could be used as a tool to reduce whale mortality by limiting human activities (e.g., curtailing fishing operations) when HABs, whale occurrence, and maritime activities are expected to overlap. Additional systematic data collection is needed to track and model mechanisms underlying relationships between HABs and incidental whale mortality. The paper is available, open access, at: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.… and https://www.researchgate.net/publication/386046162_Co-occurrence_of_harmful… Greg Silber

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New Publication: Amyloid-β and phosphorylated tau screening in bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) brains from Italy reveals distinct immunohistochemical patterns correlating with age and co-morbidity.
by Ksenia Orekhova 02 Dec '24

02 Dec '24

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce our recent *open access publication *in the *PLoS ONE* journal: Orekhova K, Testori C, Giorda F, Grattarola C, Mattioda V, Di Guardo G, Corona C, Castagnaro M, Siera E, Casalone C, Favole A, Centelleghe C, Mazzariol S. (2024) *Amyloid-β and phosphorylated tau screening in bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) brains from Italy reveals distinct immunohistochemical patterns correlating with age and co-morbidity.* PLoS ONE 19(11): e0314085. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0314085 <https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0314085> Abstract Cetacean brains are uniquely adapted to diving, but can be affected by diseases and exposure to toxins, triggering neurodegenerative processes that may cause stranding. Some species exhibit a significant post-reproductive lifespan (PRLS), increasing the likelihood of observing cumulative and age-related pathology. Immunohistochemistry against amyloid-β and hyperphosphorylated tau proteins is increasingly implemented to assess Alzheimer’s Disease-like neuropathology in cetaceans, but comparisons between geographically distinct populations, animals of different age groups, sex, and with concomitant pathologies are lacking. We tested 43 cetaceans’ (30 *Tursiops truncatus*; 13 *Stenella coeruleoalba*) parietal cortex, our most consistently archived cerebral tissue, in immunohistochemical analyses with amyloid-β oligomer 42 (Aβ-42) and hyperphosphorylated tau (pTau AT180 and AT8) antibodies. Aβ-42 antibody cross-reacted with plaques in three aged bottlenose and two aged striped dolphins, but was more often detected within neurons, glia, and blood vessels of all the dolphins. Histoscore comparisons between dolphins of different ages, sexes, and pathologies revealed significant correlations between older age, viral infections, and plaque presence. Protozoan cysts cross-reacted with Aβ-42 antibody. pTau signal was observed as single foci in neurons and neuropil in two young and two aged bottlenose dolphins. To our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind for the Mediterranean region and will help establish baseline understanding of physiological and pathological expression of proteins associated with human neurodegenerative disease in cetacean brains. Best regards and good reading, Ksenia Orekhova ________________________________________________________ Ksenia Orekhova, DVM, PhD Dipartimento di Biomedicina Comparata e Alimentazione (BCA) Università degli Studi di Padova, Italy ksenia.orekhova(a)unipd.it <ksenia.orekhova(a)phd.unipd.it>

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