March 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication on G.griseus, G.melas, Z.cavirostris SDMs in Mediterranean Sea
by Antonella Arcangeli 05 Mar '24

05 Mar '24

Dear MARMAM colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our new publication in Aquatic Conservation - Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems: Looking for reliable Species Distribution Models for low-density cetacean species: compared effectiveness of SDMs for *G.griseus, G.melas, Z.cavirostris* in the Mediterranean Sea based on long-term fixed-transect data. The EU regulative framework for the protection of marine biodiversity and habitats requires the assessment of species' conservation status and the identification of core habitats to design adequate conservation and management plans. However, the identification of distribution range and habitat-use of pelagic large-range, migratory species, such as cetaceans, is challenging. Species distribution models (SDMs) are increasingly used in conservation planning to identify species priority areas. However, the quality of SDMs varies widely depending on the representativeness of data and the appropriateness of the modelling techniques. Since 2007, the Fixed Line Transect Mediterranean Monitoring Network (FLT Med Net) has been continuously monitoring cetaceans throughout the year in the Mediterranean basin using passenger ferries as observation platforms that perform repetitive surveys along fixed trans-border transects. 4. With the aim of defining a standard analytical approach, the data collected by the FLT Med Net on rarer Mediterranean cetacean species (i.e., *Grampus griseus*, *Globicephala melas*, *Ziphius cavirostris*) are used here to assess the performance of commonly used SDMs, including GLM, GAM, GAM-Negative Binomial, GAM tweedy, MaxEnt and Random Forest. Models were built and evaluated using a total of 296 FLT Med Net sighting data and cross-validated using 145 independent data points. Under testing conditions, almost all methods exhibited good performance, with Random Forest being the best model in several cases. However, when evaluated with the independent dataset, many models yielded inconsistent results or notably low performance. Only MaxEnt demonstrated consistent efficiency and reliability in both cases, showing results less affected by unequal sampling or small sample size. Arcangeli A., Azzolin M., Babey L., David L., Garcia-Garin O., Moulin A., Rosso M., Scuderi A., Tepsich P., Vighi and Orasi A. (2024) Looking for reliable Species Distribution Models for low-density cetacean species: compared effectiveness of SDMs for *G.griseus, G.melas, Z.cavirostris* in the Mediterranean Sea based on long-term fixed-transect data. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. DOI:10.1002/aqc.4115 Please, feel free to ask for a copy to me at antonella.arcangeli(a)isprambiente.it or through ResearchGate. All the best, Antonella, Marta, Lucy, Lea, Odey, Aurelie, Massimiliano, Alessia, Paola, Morgana, and Arianna

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Call for papers – JCRM Special Issue on whale tagging
by Alex Zerbini - NOAA Affiliate 04 Mar '24

04 Mar '24

Dear all, The *Journal of Cetacean Research & Management* plans to launch a new Special Issue on cetacean tagging in 2024. We are seeking papers on the following topics: · Development of cetacean tracking methods and technology; · Assessment of the potential effects of telemetry instruments on the behaviour, physiology, health, reproduction and/or survival of cetaceans; · New ecological findings from cetacean tracking; · Application of telemetry methods to improve cetacean conservation and management. *JCRM* is the in-house journal of the International Whaling Commission (IWC). Special Issues have been important sources of information for key cetacean research and conservation topics. Previous examples can be found here <https://journal.iwc.int/index.php/jcrm/issue/archive>. *JCRM* was recently restyled, with the average publication time (from submission to online publication) now 5 months. *JCRM* does not charge publication fees. You can find our full submission guidelines here <https://journal.iwc.int/index.php/jcrm/about/submissions>. If you would like to submit a paper to this Special Issue, please contact the editorial board here: patrick.naylor(a)iwc.int We expect to receive submissions by 30th September 2024 and publish final papers online as they are accepted. Thank you, Frances Gulland Jooke Robbins Iain Staniland Alexandre Zerbini ----------- Alexandre N Zerbini, 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 Phone: (206) 526.4511 <(206)%20526-4511> Email: alex.zerbini(a)noaa.gov www.afsc.noaa.gov/nmml Cascadia Research Collective 218 1/2 W 4th Ave Olympia, WA, 98501, USA www.cascadiaresearch.org Marine Ecology and Telemetry Research 2468 Camp McKenzie Tr NW Seabeck, WA 98380 www.marecotel.org ----------

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Dolphin conservation project - training opportunities
by Info DDP 03 Mar '24

03 Mar '24

DELFINI DEL PONENTE ASSOCIATION, IMPERIA, ITALY Cetaceans and Marine Fauna research project * Delfini del Ponente is now seeking and accepting applications for weekly and monthly training opportunities in Imperia (Italy) throughout April and May. * The project The dolphin research project “Delfini del Ponente”, started in 2018, is the first project focused on monitoring bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) occurrence and distribution in the Western Ligurian Sea. The project is structured on an annual basis, to obtain data year-round. The study has already provided very interesting information about this community inside the study area - its social organisation, abundance of individuals, distribution, and movements also outside the region. Our dataset includes records on several cetaceans species and also on other marine fauna such as seabirds - Mediterranean shearwaters (Puffinus yelkouan), Scopoli’s shearwaters (Calonectris diomedea), Northern gannets (Morus bassanus), Sandwich terns (Thalasseus sandvicensis) and more - sea turtles (Caretta caretta) and sunfish (Mola mola), among others. Surveys are carried out in coastal waters onboard a dedicated zodiac (6 m inflatable boat) around 10 times per month. Training will focus on recording data on marine fauna, collecting photos for photo-ID purposes, environmental, marine traffic, geographical (GPS) and dolphins' behavioural data. Land-based surveys take place in Imperia, in 2 different locations to collect data on the presence/absence of dolphins, fishing boats in activity and marine birds. Fieldwork is a great opportunity to get involved and improve skills in cetaceans and marine biodiversity research. Both land-based and zodiac surveys are weather-dependent, and their number can change each month. Office work (6 hours per day) includes training and lessons for the interns and supervision of all the activities (photo-id work, data transcription, data entry, skin lesion analysis, QGIS work, etc...) Where: Imperia, Italy When: Weekly programme: 1-7 of April /15-21 of April/ 22-28 of April Monthly programme (minimum 30 days)- April and May *Activities: * - boat-based surveys monitoring the presence and distribution of bottlenose dolphins - boat maintenance - data collection of other cetaceans, fishes, seabirds, turtles - office work, database updating - photo-id matching and skin-lesion analysis - land-based surveys /opportunistic surveys - lectures and training on cetacean ecology, biology and research techniques, and seabirds and sea turtles id skills This is a great opportunity to get involved in cetacean research, encounter marine biodiversity while gaining fieldwork experience, travel and explore the beautiful Liguria region and support cetacean research and conservation. Interns will be involved 5 days a week, 6-8 hours/day (depending on fieldwork or office work) During their free time, interns will have the opportunity to experience all sorts of activities: swimming, diving, hiking, exploring historical sites, visiting museums, surfing and sailing. Skills/qualifications: - Minimum age of 18 - Prior experience in cetaceans or boat-based surveys is not required - Degree or ongoing studies in biology, natural science, veterinary or similar (preferred) - Strong motivation and interest in cetaceans and research - Speak, read and write in fluent English - Be adaptable and highly flexible as fieldwork is weather-dependent - Be prepared to spend many hours on a small zodiac (5-6 m) and under the sun, be able to swim and work in harsh weather conditions both in nearshore and offshore waters - Be prepared to spend many hours in the office (generally 6 hours/day) - Be sociable and with a positive attitude as interns are expected to live and work in an international team Training programme fee Delfini del Ponente is a self-funded research project, so participation in this programme requires a tuition fee. The fee includes the accommodation in an apartment in Imperia, tuition and all associated field costs during the internship period (use of research vessel, training, use of equipment, field trips, insurance). Transportation expenses to and from Imperia (Italy) and food costs during the stay are not included in the fee. How to apply: Send your CV with a letter of interest to info(a)delfinidelponente.it For any further enquiries and details, please send an email to info(a)delfinidelponente.it -- *Delfini Del Ponente APS* Via Regione Bussi, 18100 Imperia (Italy) C.F. 91048910086 pec: delfinidelponente(a)pec.it https://delfinidelponente.it/

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP (2 spots available) - SARDINIA ISLAND (ITALY)
by Fabio Ronchetti 03 Mar '24

03 Mar '24

MareTerra Onlus is offering internships ( https://www.mareterra-erc.org/en/internship) to join research projects on the conservation of the bottlenose dolphins and marine environment between May and October 2024 in Sardinia Island (Italy), a hotspot of biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea. MareTerra has been a self-financed organization, since its foundation in 2012. On board our boats, interns will learn research methods to monitor bottlenose dolphins' habitat use, abundance and distribution (photo-ID, GIS and Species Distribution Modelling). Interns will collect georeferenced data on dolphins, fishing activities and boat traffic that impact their behaviour. They also participate in bioacoustic data collection. Our research projects aim to implement measures for marine ecosystem conservation and promote a sustainable and responsible management of fishing and tourism activities. Papers available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TegikzmahuAUeWMGS3AS-SlCS_s3I_hd?us… Working in an international and multicultural team, our interns will play an active role in environmental education to develop awareness and respect for the marine environment among tourists and locals on board our boats. Required skills: - Ability to communicate fluently in English (English level > B2). - Self-confidence. - Flexibility, adaptability to an international work environment and punctuality. - Good public relations skills. - Confidence on board a motorboat and ability to swim properly. - Minimum age 20, maximum age 30. We look for people who are highly motivated, responsible and willing to work long hours in the field. For any questions and to receive the program and information for applying, please send an email to: info(a)mareterra-erc.org Gabriella La Manna, Ph.D. --- Dr Fabio Ronchetti www.mareterragroup.net www.progettonaturasardegna.com www.instagram.com/progetto_natura_ecoturismo www.facebook.com/progettonaturasardegna progettonatura(a)mareterragroup.net.com Via P. Enrico 42 07041 Alghero (SS) Tel: +393921404069 Research associate *MareTerra ERC* www.mareterra-erc.org ronchettifabio(a)gmail.com Via P. Enrico 42 07041 Alghero (SS) Tel: +393921404069

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Fwd: New publication. Anthropogenic debris in Antarctic seals
by Julieta Cebuhar 02 Mar '24

02 Mar '24

Dear MARMAN community, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce that our publication entitled "Anthropogenic debris in three sympatric seal species of the Western Antarctic Peninsula" in the journal Science of the Total Environment. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378471812_Anthropogenic_debris_in_… Abstract Litter pollution is a growing concern, including for Antarctica and the species that inhabit this ecosystem. In this study, we investigated the microplastic contamination in three seal species that inhabit the Western Antarctic Peninsula: crabeater (*Lobodon carcinophaga*), leopard (*Hydrurga leptonyx*) and Weddell (*Leptonychotes weddellii*) seals. Given the worldwide ubiquity of this type of contaminant, including the Southern Ocean, we hypothesized that the three seal species would present anthropogenic debris in their feces. We examined 29 scat samples of crabeater (*n* = 5), leopard (*n* = 13) and Weddell (*n* = 11) seals. The chemical composition of the items found were identified using micro-Raman and micro-FTIR spectroscopies. All the samples of the three species presented anthropic particles (frequency of occurrence - %FO – 100 %). Fibers were the predominant debris, but fragments and filaments were also present. Particles smaller than 5 mm (micro debris) were predominant in all the samples. Leopard seals ingested significantly larger micro-debris in comparison with the other seal species. The dominant color was black followed by blue and white. Micro-Raman and micro-FTIR Spectroscopies revealed the presence of different anthropogenic pigments such as reactive blue 238, Indigo 3600 and copper phthalocyanine (blue and green). Carbon black was also detected in the samples, as well as plastic polymers such as polystyrene, polyester and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide, polypropylene and polyurethane These results confirm the presence of anthropogenic contamination in Antarctic seals and highlight the need for actions to mitigate the effects and reduce the contribution of debris in the Antarctic ecosystem. Best regards, Julieta Cebuhar

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New paper on vulnerability of Hector's dolphins to bycatch
by Hannah williams 01 Mar '24

01 Mar '24

Dear MARMAM colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our new article discussing new research on Hector's dolphins: Williams, H., Dawson, S., Bennington, S., & Rayment, W. (2024). Multi-disciplinary surveys reveal a small subpopulation of Hector’s dolphins is frequently exposed to the risk of bycatch. *Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 34*(2), e4109. Abstract: 1. Hector's dolphin (*Cephalorhynchus hectori*) is an endangered species endemic to the coastal waters of Aotearoa New Zealand. To address the unsustainable bycatch of Hector's dolphins, restrictions on commercial gillnetting within 4 nautical miles of the coast were implemented in 2008, covering most of the South Island's east and south coasts. 2. A small subpopulation of Hector's dolphins, estimated at 42 (95% CI: 19–92) in 2012, is located off Dunedin, on the south-east coast of the South Island. It is known from other locations that Hector's dolphins are distributed well beyond 4 nautical miles from the coast and hence are vulnerable to ongoing gillnetting. 3. In this study, a combination of boat-based surveys, passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) and analysis of fishing effort were used to generate an up-to-date abundance estimate for Hector's dolphins off Dunedin and assess their vulnerability to commercial fishing. In the summer of 2021, abundance was estimated at 41 individuals (95% CI = 31–54), providing no evidence for population change since 2012. 4. Analysis of visual sighting data indicated ongoing overlap between Hector's dolphins and commercial fishing effort. Using PAM, Hector's dolphins were detected on 94% of days at a location approximately 0.3 nautical miles from the coast, suggesting that shallow waters provide critical habitat for these dolphins year-round. At an offshore mooring, approximately 4.5 nautical miles from the coast and therefore outside the area in which gillnetting is prohibited, detections were made on 35% of days, indicating potential for direct overlap with commercial fisheries. 5. The inherent vulnerability of small populations to extinction highlights the need to take a precautionary approach to the management of Dunedin's Hector's dolphins if population recovery is to be facilitated. The paper is open access and you can download the full article here: *https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.4109* <https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.4109>

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Fwd: New Faculty position in Marine Mammal Biology+
by Paula Martin 01 Mar '24

01 Mar '24

The Kachemak Bay Campus in Homer, Alaska (the campus which is part of Kenai Peninsula College, of the University of Alaska Anchorage) is searching for a new term Assistant Professor <https://careers.alaska.edu/jobs/term-assistant-professor-of-biology-homer-a…> to support our Semester-by-the-Bay <https://semesterbythebay.org/> program, and our lower-division general biology offerings. This will be a two-year term position, with the possibility of renewal. The ideal candidate will have a doctorate in marine mammal biology by the time they are hired, and have a strong commitment to teaching undergraduate biology. Please share the opportunity as we will start a rolling review of candidates beginning March 18. https://careers.alaska.edu/jobs/term-assistant-professor-of-biology-homer-a… Best, Paula J.S. Martin -- *Paula J.S. Martin, Ph.D.* *Interim Director Kachemak Bay Campus* *Kenai Peninsula College/University of Alaska Anchorage*

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