February 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Post-mortem examination on a striped dolphin reveals a potential fatal interaction with bottlenose dolphins in Italy
by Davide Ascheri 13 Feb '24

13 Feb '24

Dear Marmam community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent publication: Post-mortem examination on a striped dolphin (*Stenella coeruleoalba*) reveals a potential fatal interaction with bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in Italian waters, published in the Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. You can view the article at https://doi.org/10.1017/S0025315423000942. Abstract: Despite attacks of bottlenose dolphins towards conspecifics and other species of dolphins being reported worldwide, inside the Mediterranean Sea these behaviours are still considered sporadic and have been, to date, only recorded in Spain and France, mostly directed to striped dolphins. In this work, we reported the necropsy outcomes of a dead striped dolphin that suggest a fatal interaction with bottlenose dolphins inside the Italian side of the Pelagos Sanctuary, Western Ligurian Sea. Results from the post-mortem examination showed multiple, multifocal external rake marks spaced 1–1.2 cm and several internal injuries, consisting of subcutaneous and muscular haematomas and haemorrhages, multiple vertebral and rib fractures, haemothorax and lung laceration. The inter-tooth distance and all the internal findings were consistent with a fatal traumatic interaction with bottlenose dolphins as reported in similar cases in other parts of the world where the same results were found. No other significant gross and microscopic findings and concurrent significant pathogens were detected. This case highlights the existence of negative interspecific interactions in an area where they have never been reported before and adds new important information to the literature for understanding their occurrence, expanding the geographical range of observation in the western Mediterranean Sea. If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me: info(a)delfinidelponente.it Many thanks, Best regards Davide Ascheri -- Dott. Davide Ascheri tel. 3389287180 Presidente *DELFINI DEL PONENTE APS* Via Regione Bussi 27, 1800 Imperia *C.F. *91048910086* E-mail: info(a)delfinidelponente.it <info(a)delfinidelponente.it>*

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Final Incidental Take Regulations for the Empire Wind Project, Offshore New York
by Jessica Taylor - NOAA Affiliate 13 Feb '24

13 Feb '24

Dear Colleagues, On February 14, 2024, NOAA Fisheries will publish the final incidental take regulations related to Empire Wind’s Empire Wind Project <https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/state-activities/empire-wind>. The effective dates for these regulations are February 22, 2024 through February 21, 2029. The project would be located offshore New York within the New York Wind Energy Area, and under original power purchase agreements would provide an estimated 2,076 megawatts of power to New York. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, these regulations will govern the “take” by harassment only, of small numbers of marine mammals exposed to elevated underwater noise generated by the project’s activities over a five-year period. NOAA Fisheries has determined the project activities and resulting take that may be authorized under the final rule, will have a negligible impact on all affected marine mammal species and stocks. No take by mortality, serious injury, or non-auditory injury is anticipated to occur, nor is it authorized under the final rule. NOAA Fisheries anticipates making a final decision regarding issuance of the associated Letter of Authorization on February 22, 2024. As required by the MMPA, the final regulations include mandatory mitigation measures to be undertaken by the wind developer that ensure the “least practicable adverse impact” on marine mammals and their habitat, as well as monitoring and reporting measures to better understand those impacts. Impacts to a small number of North Atlantic right whales are expected to be limited to short-term behavioral disturbance (Level B harassment). Documents associated with this final action will be available on our website <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/incidental-take-authorization-empire-…> tomorrow. NOAA Fisheries is committed to careful review and use of the best available scientific information in satisfying the requirements of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Thank you, Jessica Taylor -- Jessica Taylor, M.E.M. (she/her) Senior Analyst, ESA/MMPA Support Services Contractor with Ocean Associates, Inc. Permits and Conservation Division Office of Protected Resources, NOAA Fisheries 1315 East-West Highway Silver Spring, MD 20910 (301) 427-8475 Email: Jessica.Taylor(a)noaa.gov

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New note on a stranded spinner dolphin with a shark bite in Honduras
by Eric Angel Ramos 13 Feb '24

13 Feb '24

Greetings MARMAM, I am pleased to share our newest note titled "Spinner Dolphin with Evidence of Shark Interaction on Utila Island, Honduras" out in the Caribbean Journal of Science. Brown, T.W., Murcia, F.V., Garcia, A., Ramos, E.A. (2024). Spinner Dolphin with Evidence of Shark Interaction on Utila Island, Honduras. Caribbean Journal of Science, 54(1), 32-35. doi: 10.18475/cjos.v54i1.a5 *Abstract* Stranding events of marine mammals provide valuable opportunities to study their biology, health, and causes for mortality, such as interactions with predators. Here we document the stranding of a deceased adult spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) with a shark bite (possibly an injury) on Utila Island, Honduras. The findings may shed light on predator-prey dynamics and scavenging in the region. Link to the article: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377869631_Spinner_Dolphin_with_Evi… If you would like a copy of the note or have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at eric.angel.ramos(a)gmail.com. Best regards, *Eric Angel Ramos, Ph.D.* Scientist at FINS (Fundación Internacional para la Naturaleza y la Sustentabilidad) Member of the IUCN SSC Sirenian Specialist Group for Mesoamerica www.finsconservation.org <https://finsconservation.org/> E-mail: eric.angel.ramos(a)gmail.com Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/ericangelramos> | Twitter <https://twitter.com/EricAngelRamos> | Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/eric.angel.ramos/> ResearchGate <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eric_Ramos> | ORCiD <https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4803-3170> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-angel-ramos-aa9b4915/>

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Large Whale entanglements in México
by Astrid Frisch 12 Feb '24

12 Feb '24

Dear MARMAM Colleagues, My co-author, Diana López and I are delighted to announce the publication of our recent paper: Frisch-Jordán, A., & Lopez-Arzate, D. C. (2024). Large whale entanglements in Mexico, a 25-year review from 1996 to 2021. Marine Mammal Science, e13106 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.13106 Abstract Large whale entanglements are considered a significant threat to populations on a global scale. In the Mexican Pacific and Baja California Peninsula (1996–2021) a total of 218 confirmed entangled whales, from which 99 (45.4%) whales were fully released (66 by the Mexican Whale Disentanglement Network, known as RABEN). Five whale species were reported in confirmed entanglements: humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae, n = 187), gray (Eschrichtius robustus, n = 19), sperm (Physeter macrocephalus, n = 5), Bryde's (Balaenoptera edeni, n = 4), and fin (Balaenoptera physalus, n = 3). Eight types of fishing gear were identified out of 209 different gear sets; gill nets were the most common (n = 101, 48.3%), followed by pots (n = 49, 23.4%). Entanglements were reported in sixteen locations, and Banderas Bay had the most entanglement reports (n = 81, 32.8%). Several entanglements were tracked across multiple locations (n = 7), involving two teams with the most successful releases (n = 5), proving the efficiency of the RABEN entanglement response network. This information can be used to better understand entanglement impacts on large whales in the North Pacific and particularly in Mexico, to work towards mitigation of a problem that affects both whales and fishermen. Kind RegardsAstrid Frisch Jordán Biol. Astrid Frisch Jordán Coordinación Nacional Red De Asistencia a Ballenas Enmalladas RABEN ECOLOGIA Y CONSERVACION DE BALLENAS, AC.Large Whale Disentanglement Capacity Building IWCArce #541. Col. La Primavera Puerto Vallarta, Jal. 48325MexicoTel/Fax:52 (322) 29 37 851fibbcatalogo@yahoo.comhttp://www.ecobac.org http://www.rabenmexico.org http://www.iwc.int

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New publication: a new control rule for managing PETS by-catch
by Matthieu Authier 12 Feb '24

12 Feb '24

Dear MARMAM colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our new publication in the open access journal PeerJ , Vol. 12, No. e16688: Ouzoulias, F. / Bousquet, N. / Genu, M. / Gilles, A. / Spitz, S. / Authier, M. Development of a New Control Rule for Managing Anthropogenic Removals of Protected, Endangered or Threatened Species in Marine Ecosystems <https://peerj.com/articles/16688/> In this publication, we developed and encoded in our R package RLA <https://gitlab.univ-lr.fr/pelaverse/rla> a new control rule for setting limit reference points (or removals limits) to the anthropogenic removals of protected, endangered or threatened species. We carried population dynamics simulations in a Management Strategy Evaluation framework to test and benchmark several control rules: PBR, RLA and a new rule control we called ART for 'Anthropogenic Removals Threshold'. These simulations were calibrated on life history parameters of the Harbour Porpoise (/Phocoena phocoena/) in the North Sea. Taking into account uncertainty in key parameters such as Maximum Net Productivity Level and biases in estimates (e.g. by-catch estimates), we investigated the performance of the different control rules to reach a given conservation objective (eg restoring or maintaining depletion levels above X% of carrying capacity over Z years with probability P). Our simulations confirmed the remarkable effectiveness of PBR. On the other hand, ART was the only rule that allowed for a decreasing trend in the reference point/removals limit over time, thereby displaying greater alignment with current policy aspirations in the European Union such as minimzing, and where possible eliminating, by-catch of protected, endangered or threatened species. If you have any questions about our work, please reach out. Cheers, Matthieu Authier -- Matthieu Authier - Ingénieur de Recherche La Rochelle Université Observatoire Pelagis UAR 3462 CNRS-LRUniv 5 allée de l'océan 17 000 La Rochelle telephone: +00 33 (0)7 77 22 32 67 (remote-working/télé-travail) https://www.observatoire-pelagis.cnrs.fr/pelagis-2/lequipe/matthieu-authier/ Try again. Fail again. Fail better. (Samuel Beckett) Verzögerungen im Betriebsablauf (Deutsche Bahn) 🍍 🦉🐛

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New publication: model-based clustering of detection functions to reduce uncertainty estimation
by Matthieu Authier 12 Feb '24

12 Feb '24

Dear MARMAM colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our new publication in Marine Mammal Science: Plard, F. <https://florianeplard.com/> / Araújo, H. E. F. / Astarloa, A. / Saavedra, C. / Vazquez Bonales, J. A. / Authier, M. Using Fusion Effects to Decrease Uncertainty in Distance Sampling Models when Collating Data from Different Surveys <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/share/author/DZGJHVJASJKVAQEDEARA?target=10…> In this publication, we developed and encoded in our R package AMBIdsm <https://gitlab.univ-lr.fr/pelaverse/AMBIdsm> some functionalities, leveraging the probabilistic programming language Nimble, to perform a joint estimation and clustering of detection functions when analyzing distance sampling data from several surveys over a region. The clustering is achieved over species and survey platform, and can also accommodate important covariates such as Beaufort scale or platform height. This clustering allows to account for between-species and between-survey heterogeneity with data-driven pooling. We show case the gain in esw estimates both a in a simulation study and in a real case study (a part of the CetAMBICion project <https://www.cetambicion-project.eu/?lang=en>) focusing on cetaceans in the Bay of Biscay. If you have any questions about our work, please reach out. Cheers, Matthieu Authier -- Matthieu Authier - Ingénieur de Recherche La Rochelle Université Observatoire Pelagis UAR 3462 CNRS-LRUniv 5 allée de l'océan 17 000 La Rochelle telephone: +00 33 (0)7 77 22 32 67 (remote-working/télé-travail) https://www.observatoire-pelagis.cnrs.fr/pelagis-2/lequipe/matthieu-authier/ Try again. Fail again. Fail better. (Samuel Beckett) Verzögerungen im Betriebsablauf (Deutsche Bahn) 🍍 🦉🐛

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Internship Opportunity at Dolphin Quest Bermuda
by Nina Mayer de Paulo 12 Feb '24

12 Feb '24

Come join the Dolphin Quest team at our tropical Bermuda location for our exciting internship programs and gain valuable practical experience that will help prepare you for your future. Our interns will explore a multi-faceted marine mammal program in a sub-tropical island ocean environment, beneficial for pursuing a variety of careers involving marine mammals or marine conservation education. We not only offer an animal care internship but also an education and conservation internships at our lovely Bermuda location. We are currently accepting Summer, Fall and Winter internships applications. During our internship program you will: * Receive an in-depth hands-on and experiential education with a focus on bottlenose dolphins in an accredited marine mammal care environment. * Learn about the value and range of husbandry aspects from dietary needs and preparation to collection or lab readings and health assessment. * Develop learned skills in a practical setting such as research data collection, public engagement and animal interaction. * Attend a custom designed lecture series, participate in workshops and explore personal development opportunities. * Receive individualized mentorship from highly trained Marine Mammal Specialists * Benefit from regular assessments of knowledge growth and evaluations of the practical applications of that learned This experience is a journey worth discovering as you join the Dolphin Quest mission “to touch hearts and minds through fun, innovative experiences, that create a connection to nature and a passion to learn more”. Be Inspired, Make a Difference. For more information, dates + deadlines and to apply head to https://dolphinquest.com/join-us/internships/ [https://fh-sites.imgix.net/sites/1678/2022/08/30205443/UnderwaterDolphinTou…]<https://dolphinquest.com/join-us/internships/> Internships | Dolphin Quest<https://dolphinquest.com/join-us/internships/> Come join the Dolphin Quest team in our exciting internship program and gain valuable job experience that will help prepare you for your future. dolphinquest.com [cid:66c7f6a2-2880-4679-adcf-0417aaa83308] Accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums I Humane Certified™ by American Humane I Accredited by the International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association Nina Victoria Mayer de Paulo Marine Mammal Specialist II Dolphin Quest Bermuda PH: +1 (441) 234-4464 nmayerdepaulo(a)dolphinquest.com<mailto:nmayerdepaulo@dolphinquest.com> dolphinquest.com<http://www.dolphinquest.com/> Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/DolphinQuest> | YouTube<http://www.youtube.com/user/dqvideos1> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/dolphin.quest?igsh=MXEyNGUxOWNpcGc3Zw==> Accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums Humane Certified™ by American Humane Accredited by the International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association

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Final Call for Shannon Dolphin Project Internship Applications
by Mags Daly 12 Feb '24

12 Feb '24

The Shannon Dolphin Project (SDP) is offering several volunteer internship positions during the 2024 field season. The internship runs from May - September 2023 and the minimum duration for successful applicants is 10 weeks. *Background* The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) is a registered charity and NGO in the West of Ireland. The group has been running the SDP photo ID catalogue since 1993, focused on monitoring Ireland’s only resident population of bottlenose dolphins. The internship is based in Kilrush, Co. Clare, Ireland. *Successful applicants will gain experience in* *Field skills: *Collecting photo, environmental and behavioural data at sea during dedicated dolphin surveys on IWDG’s RIB. The internship will also include at least one week of surveying the population's home range on the IWDG’s research vessel, Celtic Mist. Multiple land watches per month from local headlands. *Photo- ID techniques.* Recording dolphins and collecting photo ID data at sea and on land. Processing photo data, matching images collected to the known Shannon Dolphin catalogue. Processing historical data and updating databases. *Education and Outreach: *Providing free tours to the public of our visitor centre. Assisting with public events. *Miscellaneous:* Assisting SDP Officer with occasional post-mortems or sampling of stranded cetaceans. Responding to local strandings. *Requirements* *Applicants should be enrolled or have completed a BSc. in biology, ecology, or marine science program.* Applicants should also have a strong work ethic and the ability to work well with others, especially when working in close quarters at sea The following experience or skills may be an advantage when applying for this internship · Previous data collection experience in any research setting. · Education and outreach experience. · Knowledge of marine mammals. · Small power boat handling. · Photography · Driver’s License: Several of the headlands for watches are not within walking distance of the office therefore, some intern positions require a full, clean driver's license, valid in the Republic of Ireland, and applicants who are over 26 years of age, to be covered under our motor insurance policy. *Expenses and housing* This is an unpaid internship. Successful applicants are responsible for their living expenses. However, the IWDG will help organise accommodation. Rent and expenses for the 2023 season were ~ €400 per month. There will be no fee for Celtic Mist surveys, your food onboard will be covered. Any food purchased while on land will be at the intern's own expense. *Start Dates:* 1st of May or 1st of June 2024. *To apply: *Please send a letter of interest and CV in pdf format to luisa.lopez(a)iwdg.ie <mags.daly(a)iwdg.ie> with Shannon Dolphin Project Intern as the subject line. Please also advise for provisional dates you are available for an online interview and if your preferred start date is 1st May or 1st June 2024. *The closing date is close business on the 29th of February 2024* Mags Daly Shannon Dolphin Project Officer Irish Whale & Dolphin Group Merchants Quay, Kilrush, Co. Clare Tel: +353 (0) 838401102 Email: mags.daly(a)iwdg.ie Website:www.iwdg.ie

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Workshop: Advances in eDNA for monitoring & ecological studies of marine mammals
by Simon Goodman 12 Feb '24

12 Feb '24

Workshop Announcement: Advances in environmental DNA for monitoring and ecological studies of marine mammals 9th April 2024, at the 35th European Cetacean Society Conference, Catania, Italy 10th-12th April 2024 Description: The rapidly developing field of environmental DNA provides new capabilities that enhance and expand existing approaches to understanding species distributions, habitat use and trophic interactions. Such knowledge is central to understanding marine mammal exposure and vulnerability to human activities, and development of policy responses and conservation action. In this one-day workshop we will provide a forum for researchers to share the latest eDNA research that advances understanding of marine mammal ecology and monitoring capabilities, and to discuss protocols and best practice for the design and implementation of studies. We also want to facilitate networking opportunities and discussion of how a coordinated Europe-wide marine mammal eDNA monitoring network could be developed, including issues such as standards for molecular methods and data analysis pipelines, and the long-term research and policy needs of both researchers and end-users. The workshop will include sessions for invited/submitted presentations, round table discussions on methods and best practice, and breakout groups to discuss issues relating to developing marine mammal eDNA monitoring networks and policy needs, closing with a synthesis session to summarise all the work covered. There may be potential for the workshop synthesis to be written up as a review or perspective article, authored by workshop participants. Sign up: https://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/workshops Have some cool marine mammal eDNA results...? If you are interested in contributing a short presentation/poster as part of the workshop we'd love to hear from, so please get in touch. Organizers: Simon Goodman (School of Biology, University of Leeds, UK; s.j.goodman(a)leeds.ac.uk<mailto:s.j.goodman@leeds.ac.uk>), Elena Valsecchi (Dept. Environmental & Earth Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca; elena.valsecchi(a)unimib.it<mailto:elena.valsecchi@unimib.it>) ============================================================ Dr Simon Goodman School of Biology Manton Building University of Leeds Woodhouse Lane Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK Tel: +44-(0)113-3432561, Fax: +44-(0)113-3432835 Email: s.j.goodman(a)leeds.ac.uk<mailto:s.j.goodman@leeds.ac.uk> Web: http://www.goodmanlab.org/ Twitter: @DrSimon_Goodman BlueSky: @phoca-sapiens.bsky.social Sustainable Ecosystems and Adaptation Research Pillar Lead Ecology & Evolution Research Group Lead, School of Biology Director of PGR Studies, School of Biology ============================================================

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New paper: Characterising underwater noise and changes in harbour porpoise behaviour during the decommissioning of an oil and gas platform
by Oihane Fdez 12 Feb '24

12 Feb '24

Dear MARMAM colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors I would like to share our recent publication in Marine Pollution Bulletin: Fernandez-Betelu, O., Graham, I.M., Malcher, F., Webster, E., Cheong, S.H., Wang, L., Iorio-Merlo, V., Robinson, S. and Thompson, P.M., 2024. Characterising underwater noise and changes in harbour porpoise behaviour during the decommissioning of an oil and gas platform. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 200, p.116083. Link to paper (open access): *https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X24000602 <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X24000602>* Abstract Many man-made marine structures (MMS) will have to be decommissioned in the coming decades. While studies on the impacts of construction of MMS on marine mammals exist, no research has been done on the effects of their decommissioning. The complete removal of an oil and gas platform in Scotland in 2021 provided an opportunity to investigate the response of harbour porpoises to decommissioning. Arrays of broadband noise recorders and echolocation detectors were used to describe noise characteristics produced by decommissioning activities and assess porpoise behaviour. During decommissioning, sound pressure spectral density levels in the frequency range 100 Hz to 48 kHz were 30–40 dB higher than baseline, with vessel presence being the main source of noise. The study detected small-scale (< 2 km) and short-term porpoise displacement during decommissioning, with porpoise occurrence increasing immediately after this. These findings can inform the consenting process for future decommissioning projects. Please, do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions regarding our work (oihane.fernandez(a)abdn.ac.uk) Kind regards, *Dr Oihane Fernandez-Betelu* Research Fellow Lighthouse Field Station, Institute of Biological & Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Cromarty IV11 8YL.

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