March 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: New Urban Habitat for Endangered Humpback Whales: San Francisco Bay
by Bill Keener 15 Mar '24

15 Mar '24

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, we are pleased to share our recent paper in Aquatic Conservation. Markowitz, T. M., Keener, W., Webber, M. A., Payne, A. R., Lane, R. S., Fahlbusch, J. A., & Calambokidis, J. (2024). New urban habitat for endangered humpback whales: San Francisco Bay. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 34(3), e4107. The open access article is available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.4107 Abstract: As populations of large whales recover from whaling, species that forage and breed in coastal waters, including the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), increasingly overlap with human activities. This represents a potential hazard in locations worldwide subject to intensive vessel traffic, including New York, Panama City and Brisbane. Historically, humpback whales were not considered part of San Francisco Bay's fauna, except for a few ‘lost’ whales that wandered into the estuary. An unprecedented influx of humpback whales into highly urbanized San Francisco Bay began in 2016. Research efforts in 2016–2018 from vessels and shore resulted in 496 photo-identification records plus 319 visual sightings. Sixty-one individuals were photo-identified, of which 80% (n = 49) used the bay on multiple days (range = 2 to 39), and 34% (n = 21) were resighted in successive years. Whales photographed in San Francisco Bay were found to belong to distinct population segments listed as endangered and threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Whales moved in and out of the bay seasonally (April–November). Habitat use patterns indicated movements farther into San Francisco Bay correlated positively with high tides. Humpback whales were visually observed lunge feeding on northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax) at the surface. Analysis of dive patterns by three tagged whales confirmed subsurface feeding when surface feeding was not apparent. The use of San Francisco Bay and adjacent waters by recovering populations of humpback whales exacerbates the potential for collisions with vessels, entanglement in fishing gear, and harassment by recreational vessels. The most pressing conservation concern is the risk of ship strikes, observed where humpback whales occur near active seaports. Bill Keener Research Biologist Cetacean Conservation Biology KeenerB(a)tmmc.org<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/> | C: 415.297.6139 | MarineMammalCenter.org<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/> The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Sausalito, CA 94965

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New publication: Fish Feeding and Rapid Foraging Behavior Switching by Gray Whales in California
by Bill Keener 15 Mar '24

15 Mar '24

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, we are pleased to share our recent paper in Aquatic Mammals: Marc A. Webber, William Keener, Tim M. Markowitz, David Chamberlin, Darrin Allen, Rebekah S. Lane, Josephine M. Slaathaug, Pilar N. Rodriguez, Kathi George, and Julia E. O’Hern. (2024). Fish feeding and rapid foraging behavior switching by gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) in California. Aquatic Mammals, 2024, 50(2), 132-151. The open access article is linked at: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.50.2.2024.132, and a video clip is also available as supplemental material at: https://vimeo.com/918015758 Abstract: Gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) evolved to suction feed on benthic invertebrates and typically do not consume adult fish. Yet, these whales are flexible foragers, occasionally skim feeding on planktonic invertebrates and rarely lunge feeding on fish, the latter according to anecdotal accounts. We documented the unusual phenomenon of multiple gray whales predating dense schools of anchovy over a sustained period (22 days) in June 2022 at Pacifica, California, in the Gulf of the Farallones. Analysis of 11,265 photos and 11 video clips (totaling 4 min 16 s) for behavior and whale identification resulted in a total of 165 foraging events by six identified gray whales. Attribution of foraging behavior to the most active individuals was achieved by matching left pectoral fins, visible during lateralized feeding behavior. Whales rolled onto their right sides in 96% of near-surface side-swimming bouts. Another behavior, first photographed here, was dynamic surface lunge feeding by one gray whale. Five gray whales interspersed fish feeding with benthic suction feeding evidenced by sediment streaming: prey type switching was executed rapidly, in less than 1 minute in several instances, the shortest intervals reported for a baleen whale. Similar results were obtained for foraging behavior switching (continuous side-swimming or intermit- tent lunging) in pursuit of fish. Four photo-identified Pacifica whales were sighted in San Francisco Bay/Gulf of the Farallones, one of which was also matched to the Pacific Coast Feeding Group. Such local and regional connections warrant efforts to determine whether gray whales use this area as a migratory stopover site or for summer foraging, or both. Our observations confirm gray whale behavioral plasticity and opportunistic exploitation of food resources in mid-latitudes, which may enhance their resilience to climate change. Bill Keener Research Biologist Cetacean Conservation Biology KeenerB(a)tmmc.org<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/> | C: 415.297.6139 | MarineMammalCenter.org<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/> The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Sausalito, CA 94965

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New publication: harbour porpoise abundance trend and mortality limit calculation
by Kylie Owen 15 Mar '24

15 Mar '24

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share with you our recent publication published in Frontiers in Marine Science. Kylie Owen, Anita Gilles, Matthieu Authier, Julia Carlström, Mathieu Genu, Line Anker Kyhn, Dominik A. Nachtsheim, Nadya C. Ramírez-Martínez, Ursula Siebert, Martin Sköld, Jonas Teilmann, Bianca Unger, Signe Sveegaard. A negative trend in abundance and an exceeded mortality limit call for conservation action for the Vulnerable Belt Sea harbour porpoise population. Frontiers in Marine Science, 2024; 11 DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2024.1289808 Abstract The management and conservation of biodiversity relies on information on both the abundance of species and the potential impact of threats. Globally, one of the largest threats towards marine biodiversity is bycatch in fisheries. Under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), EU Member States are required to assess the status of species, such as the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), in relation to their abundance and mortality due to bycatch every six years. The Vulnerable (HELCOM) Belt Sea population of harbour porpoise has been surveyed to determine its abundance six times using dedicated aerial or ship-based line-transect distance sampling surveys. Here, we estimated the first trend in population abundance over an 18 year period (2005-2022). Using the most recent abundance estimate, we computed a mortality limit applying the modified Potential Biological Removal (mPBR) method based on the regionally agreed conservation objective to restore or maintain 80% of carrying capacity over 100 years with an 80% probability. Over the past 18 years there has been a strong negative trend (-2.7% p.a.; 95% CI: -4.1%; + 1.3%) in abundance, with a 90.5% probability. The mortality limit was estimated to be 24 animals, which the current bycatch estimates (~900 porpoises/year from the commercial Danish and Swedish set net fishery fleets, with no data from Germany and other fishery types) exceed by far. The frequency and quality of data available on abundance for this population are higher than those available for the majority of marine species. Given the observed population decline and likely unsustainable levels of bycatch, the results presented here provide a strong basis to make informed, evidence-based management decisions for action for this population. Such action is needed urgently, before the dire situation of other porpoise species and populations around the globe is repeated. The publication is open access, but please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions. Kind Regards Dr Kylie Owen Intendent Populationanalys och -övervakning Naturhistoriska riksmuseet Box 50007 | 104 05 Stockholm +46 (0) 761 701 594 [Logotyp för Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet] [Naturhistoriska riksmuseet, Forskar, Bevarar och Förklarar, NRM.SE]

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Aquatic Mammals Issue 50.2 is available online
by Kathleen Dudzinski 14 Mar '24

14 Mar '24

Dear MARMAM Subscribers, Happy Spring! The second issue of volume 50 (50.2) of Aquatic Mammals journal is available online and will be officially published on Friday (15 March). Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php With regards, Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals Journal business(a)aquaticmammalsjournal.org <mailto:business@aquaticmammalsjournal.org> Articles with ** are open access: Sarah G. Trabue, Melinda L. Rekdahl, and Howard C. Rosenbaum. (2024). Photo-Identification and Skin Lesion Prevalence of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops erebennus) in the Waters of New York and New Jersey. Aquatic Mammals, 50(2), 65-85. **Britney E. Pepper, Marina A. Piscitelli-Doshkov, Paul K. Doshkov, and Andrew J. Read. (2024).Heading South for the Winter: The Seasonal Occurrence of Harbor Seals (Phoca vitulina vitulina) Near Oregon Inlet, North Carolina, USA. Aquatic Mammals, 50(2), 86-92. Josh D. McInnes, Andrew W. Trites, Chelsea R. Mathieson, Marilyn E. Dahlheim, Jeffrey E. Moore, Paula A. Olson, and Kevin M. Lester. (2024). Evidence for an Oceanic Population of Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) in Offshore Waters of California and Oregon. Aquatic Mammals, 50(2), 93-106. **Ronald A. Kastelein, Lean Helder-Hoek, Laura Van Acoleyen, Linde N. Defillet, and John M. Terhune. (2024). Temporary Hearing Threshold Shift in California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus) Due to a Noise Band Centered at 32 kHz. Aquatic Mammals, 50(2), 107-121. Jaime Bolaños-Jiménez and Tulio Gutiérrez. (2024). An Antarctic Minke Whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) Live-Stranding in Venezuela: First Record for the Caribbean Sea. Aquatic Mammals, 50(2),122-126. Andrés Moreira-Mendieta, Diego O. Urquía, Pacarina Asadobay, and Diego Páez-Rosas. (2024). Evidence of a Predatory Interaction of a Cookiecutter Shark (Isistius brasiliensis) on Galapagos Fur Seals (Arctocephalus galapagoensis). Aquatic Mammals, 50(2), 127-131.

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New publication: Disentangling the influence of entanglement on recruitment in North Atlantic right whales
by joshua.reed＠students.mq.edu.au 13 Mar '24

13 Mar '24

Dear MARMAN community, On behalf of my co-author, we are pleased to share our paper in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, which is open access and available here <https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.0314> . Abstract: North Atlantic right whales are Critically Endangered and declining, with entanglements in fishing gear a key contributor to their decline. Entanglement events can result in lethal and sub-lethal (i.e. increased energetic demands and reduced foraging ability) impacts, with the latter influencing critical life-history states, such as reproduction. Using a multi-event framework, we developed a Bayesian mark-recapture model to investigate the influence of entanglement severity on survival and recruitment for female right whales. We used information from 199 known-aged females sighted between 1977 and 2018, combined with known entanglements of varying severity that were classified as minor, moderate or severe. Severe entanglements resulted in an average decline in survival of 27% for experienced non-breeders, 9% for breeders and 26% for pre-breeding females compared with other entanglements and unentangled individuals. Surviving individuals with severe entanglements had low transitional probabilities to breeders, but surprisingly, individuals with minor entanglements had the lowest transitional probabilities, contrary to expectations underpinning current management actions. Management actions are needed to address the lethal and sub-lethal impacts of entanglements, regardless of severity classification. Citation: REED, J., NEW, L., CORKERON, P. & HARCOURT, R. 2024. Disentangling the influence of entanglement on recruitment in North Atlantic right whales. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 291, 20240314. doi:10.1098/rspb.2024.0314 A companion piece on The Conversation is also available here: Surviving fishing gear entanglement isn <https://theconversation.com/surviving-fishing-gear-entanglement-isnt-enough -for-endangered-right-whales-females-still-dont-breed-afterward-225257> 't enough for endangered right whales - females still don't breed afterward. Kind regards, Josh ------------------------------------------------------ Joshua Reed, Ph.D. Marine Predator Research Group School of Natural Sciences Macquarie University Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia

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VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED FOR A BEHAVIOURAL RESPONSE STUDY ON HUMPBACK WHALES IN AUSTRALIA
by Michael Noad 13 Mar '24

13 Mar '24

The Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Group at the University of Queensland are seeking expressions of interest from volunteers for a six-week behavioural response study (BRS) on humpback whales from September 8 to October 19 this year (2024). The first part of the study will be the fourth in a series to determine the hearing range of humpback whales by measuring their behavioural response to tones of various frequencies. The second part of the study will assess the efficacy of various stimuli as acoustic deterrents. The study will be conducted at Peregian Beach on the Sunshine Coast, just north of Brisbane, and follows several successful studies of humpback whale vocalisations and behaviour at the same site during the Humpback whale Acoustic Research Collaboration (HARC; 2002 - 2008), the BRAHSS experiments in 2010 - 2015 (http://www.brahss.org.au/; https://www.ceal.lab.uq.edu.au/ ) and years 1, 2 and 3 (2021, 2022, 2023) of the "Hearing in Humpbacks" project. Volunteers are required mainly to conduct land-based observations of the whales as they pass our study site. Approximately 5,000 whales should migrate southwards within 10 km of Peregian Beach during the field period making the site ideal for land-based tracking and observations of behaviour. Some whales will be tagged with Acousonde suction cup tags. Although volunteers will be used to help on the boats, opportunities for volunteers to participate in boat work are limited, and most time will be spent doing land-based observations. Volunteers will receive detailed training at the beginning of the project and therefore successful applicants must be available for the entire duration of the project. A high standard of safety will be maintained throughout the field work and volunteers will be trained in safety procedures. Peregian Beach is a beautiful area on the Sunshine Coast, and there are plenty of things for volunteers to do during downtime. Favourite activities in previous projects here have included surfing, hanging out at cafes (within walking distance of our field site), diving, walking the Noosa National Park, trips to Fraser Island (K'gari), etc. Volunteers must be sociable as they will be expected to work and live as part of teams with shared cooking and cleaning duties. We expect that there will be up to 30 people (researchers, staff, and volunteers) at the site. Volunteers must organise and pay for their own transport to the study site (approximately 1.5h from the Brisbane International Airport or 30 mins from the Sunshine Coast Airport) but food and accommodation are provided once there. Meals are communal. This project will suit people with a background in science (including recent graduates and graduate students as well as higher level undergraduate students) keen to gain experience in cetacean survey techniques, acoustics, and behavioural response studies. Applicants should also be highly motivated, enthusiastic, sociable, and able to concentrate for several hours at a time. Those with previous survey experience of marine mammals or other taxa will be preferred. The first part of the research project is being funded by the Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology (SOST) through the U.S. Navy Living Marine Resources (LMR) applied research program and the second part is funded by the Sea World Foundation (Gold Coast, Australia). Applicants should reply with an email to Rebecca Dunlop (r.dunlop(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:r.dunlop@uq.edu.au>), Kelsey Stone (kelsey.stone(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:kelsey.stone@uq.edu.au>), Riona McNamara (r.mcnamara(a)uq.net.au<mailto:r.mcnamara@uq.net.au>), and Liam Johnson (l.e.johnson(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:l.e.johnson@uq.edu.au>) outlining why they would be suitable for this work, why they would like to participate, an outline of previous relevant experience, and any other relevant details. The email should include an attached CV and the names and contact details of two professional referees. The closing date for volunteer applications is 30 April and successful field applicants will be notified in late May. Associate Professor Rebecca Dunlop BSc(Hons) PhD Lecturer in Animal Behaviour and Physiology School of the Environment The University of Queensland Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia Ph: +61 7 3443 2028 Email: r.dunlop(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:r.dunlop@uq.edu.au>

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New Publication: Evidence for an oceanic population of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in offshore waters of California and Oregon
by McInnes, Joshua 13 Mar '24

13 Mar '24

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, we are pleased to share with you our recent publication published in Aquatic Mammals: McInnes, J.D., Trites, A.W., Mathieson, C.R., Dahlheim, M.E., Moore, J.E., Olson, P.A., and Lester, K.M. (2024). Evidence for an oceanic population of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in offshore waters of California and Oregon. Aquatic Mammals 50(2), 93-106, DOI https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.50.2.2024.93. Summary: In the northeastern Pacific, sightings of small numbers of killer whales (Orcinus orca) of unknown ecotype have been sporadically reported during open ocean marine mammal surveys, pelagic birding expeditions, and high seas fishing operations. However, it is unknown whether these oceanic killer whales belong to a mammal-eating ecotype of killer whale, an offshore fish-eating ecotype, or an offshore generalist type. We attempted to determine the ecotype of 49 unknown individuals observed during nine encounters from 1997 to 2021 in the deep oceanic waters far from the coastlines of California and Oregon (> 65 km) based on their foraging behaviors, prey species consumed, morphologies, and the prevalence of cookiecutter shark (Isistius sp.) bite scars. We hypothesize that these killer whales may represent a distinct oceanic subpopulation of transient killer whales or an undescribed oceanic population that feeds on marine mammals and sea turtles in the open ocean beyond the continental shelf break. Best regards, Josh D. McInnes, MSc Candidate Marine Mammal Research Unit Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries Aquatic Ecosystem Research Laboratory University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z4 Research Associate | Pacific Wildlife Foundation Port Moody, British Columbia, Canada, V3H 1V6 Centre for Wildlife Ecology Department of Biological Sciences 8888 University Drive Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC

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New publication: Environmental drivers of odontocete occurrence in a nearshore temperate habitat
by Matt Sharpe 13 Mar '24

13 Mar '24

Dear MARMAM community, I'm pleased to be able to share with you our new publication in Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science titled: Environmental drivers of odontocete occurrence in a nearshore temperate habitat. It is available open access: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2024.108697, for further details see below. Cheers, Matt Sharpe Matt Sharpe, Per Berggren, Environmental drivers of odontocete occurrence in a nearshore temperate habitat, Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, Volume 299, 2024, 108697, ISSN 0272-7714, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2024.108697. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272771424000842) Abstract: Nearshore coastal waters off Northumberland, UK, are important habitats for marine megafauna including marine mammals and seabirds. The area also features extensive anthropogenic activities including shipping, marine renewables development, fisheries, and tourism. Meanwhile there is lack of baseline data on odontocete occurrence to allow assessment of the potential impact from human disturbance. A recent increase in the number of sightings of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the area has provided impetus for new data to inform conservation managers and policy makers. To provide this information, acoustic data were collected using broadband passive acoustic recorders at three sites (Druridge Bay, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, and St Mary's Island) off the Northumberland coast and analyzed to identify species-specific click trains of common bottlenose dolphin, white-beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) and harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). Detection data were modelled for each species as detection-positive hours (DPH) using Generalized Additive Models with Generalized Estimating Equations (GAM-GEE) to investigate the effects of environmental covariates, including day of year, diel phase, lunar phase, salinity, year, month and sea surface temperature, and their interaction with location. A total of 20,845 h were recorded during the study resulting in a total of 1660, 71, and 1111 DPH identified for bottlenose dolphin, white-beaked dolphin and porpoise, respectively. The final model for bottlenose dolphins retained all covariates except tidal index and an interaction between location and day of year after model selection and all covariates in the final model were significant. The final model for white-beaked dolphin retained month, year, location, diel index, temperature, lunar index and interactions between location and diel index and all covariates except lunar index were significant. The final model for porpoise retained all covariates and interactions between location and diel phase, day of year, lunar index, and salinity, however, salinity and the interaction between location and lunar index were not significant. Bottlenose dolphin clicks were detected in the area year-round but with two peak periods in occurrence coinciding with May and late September; white-beaked dolphin clicks were detected predominantly in July and August; and porpoise clicks were present year-round but with much greater probability of detection at the Druridge Bay site, where there were peaks in winter and in September. The results of this study provide important information for conservation and management actions that may be needed to reduce anthropogenic pressures on odontocetes in UK waters. Keywords: Coastal; Marine mammals; Passive acoustics; Environmental drivers

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New paper on pollutants in bottlenose dolphins from the Southern Gulf of Mexico
by Eduardo Morteo 12 Mar '24

12 Mar '24

Dear Marmammers, On behalf of my coauthors, I would like to announce or latest paper on pollutants published in Aquatic Mammals: DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.50.2.2024.152 First Report of Organochlorine Pesticides and Heavy Metals in a Stranded Bottlenose Dolphin Off the Central Coast of Veracruz State: A Warning to Assess Pollution in a Reef Marine Ecosystem from the Gulf of Mexico? Isabel C. Hernández-Candelario, Violeta Pardío-Sedas, Casandra Gálvez, and Eduardo Morteo Abstract Live-strandings of cetaceans are uncommon in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. However an adult female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) with normal body condition was recorded at Pelicano’s Beach on the coast of Veracruz State. Health assessment showed multiple external injuries possibly caused by the stranding event as well as potential bacterial infection and thus the individual was held in temporary facilities for rehabilitation. Blood samples were taken to assess the health status of the individual and were also analyzed for concentrations of 20 pollutants (14 organochlorine pesticides [OCPs] and six heavy metals [HMs]). The animal was released and found dead within a few days. The concentration of OCPs and HMs were close or above the government limits. Although these were lower than those reported in other living free-ranging bottlenose dolphins there are well-known negative effects for health. Low OCP values were attributed to an offloading process through lactation or mobility of the lipophilic OCPs that pass from blood to fat. Whereas HM concentrations (mainly non-essential metals: mercury [Hg], lead [Pb], and cadmium [Cd]—2.73, 21.13, and 12.67 µg L-1, respectively) were probably linked to the diet and the possible distribution of the specimen (possibly offshore). This is the first report on pollutants from anthropogenic origin in the area where uncontrolled activities are of major concern within a protected national reef park. Since marine ecosystems are under continuous pressure several health issues for top predators are being noticed therefore this study underlines the relevance of studying health status of marine mammals in the Mexican waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Do not hesitate to contact me at eduardo.morteo(a)gmail.com if you need further information. Cheers! Dr. Eduardo Morteo Director Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Universidad Veracruzana Calle Dr. Castelazo Ayala S/N, Col. Industrial Ánimas CP 91190, Xalapa, Veracruz, México. Ph/Tel: +52 (228) 841 89 00 E-mail: emorteo(a)uv.mx http://www.uv.mx/personal/emorteo/ http://uv-mx.academia.edu/EMorteo https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eduardo_Morteo/?ev=hdr_xprf http://scholar.google.com.mx/citations?user=fDUl-IIAAAAJ

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Correction! Updated Information - Reminder Deadline Approaching - $3k Grant Deadline 15-March for West Coast Researchers
by ACS-LA.Grants 12 Mar '24

12 Mar '24

*** CORRECTION **** Updated Information Below --This information corrects a previous posting — NOTE: Deadline 15-March-2023 for Submission. The American Cetacean Society, Los Angeles Chapter (ACS-LA) is happy to announce the opening of the request for applications (RFP) for the 2024 Research Grant The American Cetacean Society protects cetaceans and their habitats though conservation, education and research. Working with world-class scientists, ACS-LA funds research projects that address some of the most pressing issues facing cetaceans today. The Los Angeles Chapter of ACS is pleased to announce the availability of one research grant, in the amount of $3,000.00, to be awarded to a qualified researcher whose study focuses on cetaceans along the west coast of the US or to a researcher or student attending or affiliated with an accredited west coast university while studying cetaceans anywhere in the world. · The John E. Heyning Research Award will be awarded in 2024. This award is in the amount of $3,000. Eligibility: The John E. Heyning and the William F. Samaras Awards will be awarded in alternating years. The Applicant should be a researcher or a student living or attending school along the west coast of the United States OR if Applicant does not reside along the west coast, the Applicant’s research focus should be on cetaceans along the west coast of the United States. For information on how to apply, please go to the Grants & Awards tab on our website: acs-la.org/grants-and-awards <https://acs-la.org/grants-and-awards/>. Deadlines: Deadline for submission is 15th March 2024, midnight PST (GMT -8). Awards will be announced by 15th April 2024. Please feel free to contact ACS-LA Grants Chair Christina Tombach Wright with any questions, ACSLA.Grants(a)gmail.com <mailto:ACSLA.Grants@gmail.com>. Applications should be sent by E-mail to ACSLA.Grants(a)gmail.com <mailto:ACSLA.Grants@gmail.com>. Follow instructions on the website for submissions. Information about the Los Angeles Chapter of ACS can be found on our website: www.acs-la.org <http://www.acs-la.org/>. ========================== ACS-LA Grants Coordinator American Cetacean Society-Los Angeles Chapter acsla.grants(a)gmail.com <mailto:acsla.grants@gmail.com> www.acs-la.org <http://www.acs-la.org/>

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