April 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Three decades of gray whale habitat use, distribution, and abundance
by Barlow, Dawn Renee 23 Apr '24

23 Apr '24

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to share our recent publication in Scientific Reports: Barlow, D.R., Strong, C.S. & Torres, L.G. Three decades of nearshore surveys reveal long-term patterns in gray whale habitat use, distribution, and abundance in the Northern California Current. Sci Rep 14, 9352 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-59552-z ABSTRACT: The nearshore waters of the Northern California Current support an important seasonal foraging ground for Pacific Coast Feeding Group (PCFG) gray whales. We examine gray whale distribution, habitat use, and abundance over 31 years (1992–2022) using standardized nearshore (< 5 km from shore) surveys spanning a large swath of the PCFG foraging range. Specifically, we generated density surface models, which incorporate detection probability into generalized additive models to assess environmental correlates of gray whale distribution and predict abundance over time. We illustrate the importance of coastal upwelling dynamics, whereby increased upwelling only yields higher gray whale density if interspersed with relaxation events, likely because this combination optimizes influx and retention of nutrients to support recruitment and aggregation of gray whale prey. Several habitat features influence gray whale distribution, including substrate, shelf width, prominent capes, and river estuaries. However, the influence of these features differs between regions, revealing heterogeneity in habitat preferences throughout the PCFG foraging range. Predicted gray whale abundance fluctuated throughout our study period, but without clear directional trends, unlike previous abundance estimates based on mark-recapture models. This study highlights the value of long-term monitoring, shedding light on the impacts of variable environmental conditions on an iconic nearshore marine predator. The full article is open access, and available online: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-59552-z Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or to request a PDF copy. Cheers, Dawn Dawn Barlow, PhD (she/her) Postdoctoral Scholar Marine Mammal Institute | Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences Oregon State University | Hatfield Marine Science Center Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab<https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/gemm-lab> dawn.barlow(a)oregonstate.edu

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NOAA Fisheries Announces Issuance of Final Incidental Take Rule for Gulf of Mexico
by Benjamin Laws - NOAA Federal 23 Apr '24

23 Apr '24

Today, NOAA Fisheries issued a Final Rule for the Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys in the Gulf of Mexico. This rulemaking was required when NOAA Fisheries discovered that take estimates submitted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in support of its petition for Incidental Take Regulations included errors resulting in limitations on NOAA Fisheries’ ability to issue select Letters of Authorization (LOA). This final rule analyzes revised take numbers, updated science, and reassesses the statutorily mandated findings supporting the rule. NOAA Fisheries has determined that no changes to the existing regulations are warranted. Considering new scientific information, NOAA Fisheries produced corrected, updated take numbers that will afford more flexibility to applicants, and has reassessed the necessary statutory findings. Following completion of this rulemaking, NOAA Fisheries anticipates that these implementation issues will be resolved. As part of its stewardship mission, NOAA Fisheries is responsible for the protection and conservation of marine mammals, including by requiring the monitoring and mitigation of incidental take of marine mammals. The final rule and supporting materials are available here - https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/incidental-take-authorization-oil-and… .

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New publication: free-ranging beluga aerial photogrammetry paired with lipidomic analysis (Meredith Sherrill)
by Meredith Sherrill 22 Apr '24

22 Apr '24

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I would like to share with you our recent publication in Frontiers in Marine Science: Sherrill, M., Bernier-Graveline, A., Ewald, J., Pang, Z., Moisan, M., Marzelière, M., et al. 2024. Scaled mass index derived from aerial photogrammetry associated with predicted metabolic pathway disruptions in free-ranging St. Lawrence Estuary belugas. Frontiers in Marine Science, 11. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2024.1360374. Abstract: The St. Lawrence Estuary (SLE) belugas (Quebec, Canada) are an endangered population whose numbers remain low despite ongoing conservation efforts. Multiple anthropogenic factors and changing environmental conditions are thought to have contributed to the recent 20-year decline in blubber fatty acid concentrations reported in stranded SLE belugas. Despite this evidence that energy reserves within the population are declining, there is currently no method for estimating the body condition of free-ranging animals. The potential metabolic consequences of declining fat reserves have also yet to be explored. The objectives of this study were to use unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based photogrammetry to estimate the scaled mass index (SMI) of free-ranging SLE belugas, and to compare this proxy of body condition to the lipidome of outer-layer blubber samples collected from the same individuals via remote biopsy darting. Morphometric analysis of aerial images (n = 44 SLE belugas), combined with data collected from animals under professional human care, produced SMI estimates (females: 807 ± 98 kg, males: 743 ± 39 kg) similar in range to those previously calculated for SLE beluga carcasses of known weight. A non-targeted lipidomic analysis followed by pathway enrichment analysis, identified metabolic pathways predicted to show altered activity in association with SMI in the blubber of free-ranging male SLE belugas (n = 27). Mapping of enriched pathways compared to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolic pathways maps, revealed that enriched pathways pertained to the metabolism of multiple lipid classes including fatty acyls and glycerophospholipids. Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and tyrosine metabolism pathways were also enriched in correlation with SMI. This study provides the basis for the development of a non-invasive technique for estimating the body condition of free-ranging SLE belugas and identifies metabolic pathways that merit further exploration to improve our understanding of the potential metabolic impacts of energy loss in cetaceans. The full article is available open access at https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2024.1360374/full <https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2024.1360374/full>. Please do not hesitate to contact me at sherrill.meredith(a)courrier.uqam.ca <mailto:sherrill.meredith@courrier.uqam.ca> with any questions or for additional information. Kind regards, Meredith Sherrill PhD Candidate Université du Québec à Montréal Montréal, QC, Canada

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Epigenetics in Bottlenose Dolphins
by Ashley Barratclough 22 Apr '24

22 Apr '24

Dear Colleagues, We are excited to share with you our recent open access publication in Biological Conservation entitled "Estimating age and investigating epigenetic changes related to health across multiple bottlenose dolphin populations”. This research enables chronological age determination through DNA analysis of BND skin samples and also explores epigenetic changes in relation to health status. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320724001320 <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320724001320> Abstract Epigenetic age estimation has the potential to influence conservation approaches for wildlife. DNA extracted from a small skin sample can be analyzed for methylation changes, which can be related to chronological age through an epigenetic clock to obtain a DNA-based age estimate (DNAm age). For a wide range of cetacean species, skin samples can be obtained remotely using dart biopsy. We tested multiple modeling approaches (elastic net regression, random forest regression, and a hybrid of elastic net and random forest classification) using DNA methylation data from 426 skin samples from observed-age wild bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.), and 50 managed care dolphins, to develop an epigenetic clock. The hybrid model gave highly accurate age predictions for calf (<2 yrs., n = 28), subadult (2–15 yrs., n = 273) and adult (15–25 yrs., n = 110) age classes with median absolute errors (MAE) of 0.149, 1.46 and 3.25 yrs., respectively. In the oldest individuals (>25 yrs., n = 65), age predictions were less accurate, with MAE of 5.90 yrs. The overall MAE across all ages (n = 476) was 1.91 yrs. DNAm age has been linked to health in humans, with higher age residuals (i.e., higher DNAm age as compared to actual age) being associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. We compared dolphin age residuals with previously reported health scores that are predictive of one year mortality risk. Our findings suggest that analysis of DNA methylation patterns is a viable approach, not only for estimating age of dolphins, but potentially also to assess individual and population health. Cheers, Dr. Ashley Barratclough Conservation Medicine Veterinarian National Marine Mammal Foundation BVetMed, MSc WAH, MS, PhD, MRCVS ashley.barratclough(a)nmmf.org

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IFAW Marine Mammal Rescue Stranding Internships - Fall 2024
by Kasper, Kira 22 Apr '24

22 Apr '24

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is currently accepting applications for fall 2024 Marine Mammal Stranding Internships. IFAW Marine Mammal Stranding Internship Fall Session 2024 (First Week of September, 2024 - Middle of January, 2025) Complete Applications due: May 20th, 2024 Program Background IFAW is an international non-profit organization. This internship is based out of our International Operations Center in Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts, USA. IFAW's Marine Mammal Rescue (MMR) program is a federally authorized program dedicated to marine mammal stranding response on Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts. Our program strives to promote the conservation of marine mammal species and their habitat by improving the rescue and humane care of stranded marine mammals, advancing stranding science, and increasing public awareness through education. Cape Cod is a marine mammal stranding "hot spot," with an average of over 315 strandings occurring each year. These strandings include live and dead seals, whales, porpoises, and dolphins. In addition to stranding response, IFAW's MMR division has developed the Cetacean Intensive Care Unit (CICU) located at the Dolphin Rescue Center in Orleans, MA. CICU is a short-term holding facility (96 hours) that aims to provide rehabilitative care to dolphins and porpoises experiencing acute effects of stranding. Stranding Intern Duties * Stranding hotline coverage: answer calls, document reports, educate callers, dispatch volunteers, complete associated paperwork and enter data. * Marine mammal stranding response & necropsy: assist staff with all aspects of marine mammal stranding response, including live animal health assessment and supportive care, biological data collection, post-mortem examinations and sampling in both field and laboratory settings. * CICU operations: assist staff with aspects of CICU operations, including animal care (i.e. in-water support, assist during procedures, monitoring animal behavior etc.), CICU education and outreach, CICU readiness and cleaning, etc. Please note experiences will be opportunistic as cases arise. We do not have a long-term rehabilitation program or animals on site regularly. * Stranding & necropsy readiness: cleaning, organizing and maintaining stranding response and necropsy gear, equipment and facilities, restocking kits and supplies. * Data entry & sample processing: assist in entry of stranding data. Assist in organizing, cataloging, disseminating and archiving of photos, videos, datasheets, samples, etc. * Outreach: assist staff with training and outreach material preparation and organization, participate in opportunistic outreach at stranding sites, participate in community events. Please see the following link for the full posting and to apply: https://recruiting.ultipro.com/INT1059IFFA/JobBoard/17b588a3-808b-4bc9-aea8… Kira Kasper (she/her) Stranding Biologist Marine Mammal Rescue and Research 290 Summer Street Yarmouth Port, MA 02675 United States Please note: my schedule varies regularly and I often work outside of the M-F 9-5 timeframe. +1 774 721 1080 (work cell) +1 508 743 9548 (stranding hotline) www.ifaw.org<https://www.ifaw.org/> [ifaw]<https://www.ifaw.org/> The content of this email is intended only for the use of the above-named addressee and may contain information that is confidential, proprietary, and/or legally privileged. Please notify the sender if you received this email in error.

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Proposed Incidental Harassment Authorization for the Vineyard Wind Offshore Wind Project Phase 2, Offshore Massachusetts
by Jessica Taylor - NOAA Affiliate 22 Apr '24

22 Apr '24

Good morning Colleagues, On April 22, 2024, NOAA Fisheries announced the proposed incidental harassment authorization (IHA) related to the construction of the Vineyard Wind Offshore Wind Project Phase 2 offshore Massachusetts for a 30-day public comment period. As required by the MMPA, the proposed IHA includes 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. NOAA Fisheries determined that underwater noise generated by the project’s activities over a one-year period may harass marine mammals. NOAA Fisheries has preliminarily determined that the number and manner of “take,” in the form of harassment, that is proposed to be authorized in an IHA, would have a negligible impact on all affected marine mammal species and stocks. Impacts to a small number of North Atlantic right whales are expected to be limited to short-term behavioral disturbance (Level B harassment). No mortality or serious injury of any marine mammal species is proposed or anticipated to occur incidental to the specified activity. This regulatory action is part of NOAA’s ongoing work to ensure the nation’s deployment of offshore wind energy is done in a manner that avoids and minimizes impacts to protected resources and their habitats. 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. Documents associated with this proposed action are available on our website. *https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/incidental-take-authorization-vineyard-wind-1-llc-construction-vineyard-wind-offshore-wind <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/incidental-take-authorization-vineyar…>* 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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Thermal cameras available for loan (Ocean Alliance)
by Andy Rogan 22 Apr '24

22 Apr '24

Dear MARMAM community, Ocean Alliance currently has three DJI Zenmuse XT2 (https://www.dji.com/support/product/zenmuse-xt2 ) thermal cameras that we are willing to loan out. Please note that these cameras only work on the DJI Matrice M200 Series, M200 Series V2, and the Matrice 600 Pro. We would require shipping and handling costs (approximately 100 USD) to be covered by the loanee. On a more limited basis we can also loan a DJI M210 V1 drone to fly a Zenmuse XT2, plus four batteries. We currently use this drone in our own programs, so availability will be limited. We would require a $250 handling fee to loan out this package, in addition to shipping costs and insurance being covered by the loanee. For more information, please reach out to info(a)whale.org<mailto:info@whale.org> Many thanks, Ocean Alliance

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Promising news for the sperm and Cuvier's beaked whales of the Hellenic Trench, Greece
by Alexandros Frantzis 20 Apr '24

20 Apr '24

Dear all, We are pleased to share with you some important conservation news regarding the cetaceans of the Hellenic Trench, Greece, and especially the /*Endangered sperm whales and the Vulnerable Cuvier's beaked whales*/ (Mediterranean sub-population). After more than 25 years of efforts of the Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute, in collaboration with all our partners and allies (OceanCare, IFAW, Inst. Applied & Computational Mathematics of FORTH, WWF Greece, GreenTank and others) we can see the future of "our" whales with optimism. On 17 April 2024 during the 9th Our Ocean Conference, Greece has committed (commitments 2A and 13) to: *1) Establish "THE IONIAN MARINE NATIONAL PARK (from north of Kefallonia to south of Antikythira) with a total area of over 14,000 km2. The park covers over 11% of Greek territorial waters, the Ionian segment of the Hellenic trench being its core... The park is established because the area is very important for marine mammals such as /Physeter macrocephalus/, /Ziphius cavirostris/ and /Stenella coeruleoalba/. * *2) "ESTABLISH MONITORING AND EARLY WARNING SYSTEM FOR PASSING BY SHIPS TO IDENTIFY ON TIME LARGE MARINE MAMMALS so that the ships that are in the Greek territorial waters slow down and avoid collision with them in the area between Kythira, Cape Tainaro and Cape Maleas".* This commitments refers to the construction, deployment and implementation of the pioneer SAvE Whales (System for the Avoidance of collisions with Endangered sperm Whales) that is described in a short educational video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_qBbs2dabw The official document of Greece's commitments can be found at: https://www.ourocean2024.gov.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/A5_OOC-9_PROPOSE… */Committing for all the above is very positive and promising. It also shows that organizing the Our Ocean Conference in a country adds a lot of pressure to the local authorities to accept and commit for mature conservation measures. However, the whales of the Hellenic Trench will not feel the difference in their lives until the commitments are fulfilled and protection measures are implemented. In addition, W and S Crete, which is also part of the critical habitat of the whales will not be part of the protected areas. On the contrary, seismic surveys are still going on with plans to start drilling soon./* */While being finally more optimistic than ever, we will continue our efforts hoping that with the support of all the cetacean and conservation community we will eventually make the whales feel safer in their habitat. /* /*The history* The population unit of*sperm whales in the Hellenic Trench was discovered in 1998* by the Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute and keeps being monitored since that time. The population trend is declining with numbers that are currently estimated to range between 150 and 200 animals. Ship-strikes have been identified as the major threat for this population unit, but seismic surveys, noise pollution and macro-plastic ingestion also occur in its critical habitat. //The population unit of *Cuvier's beaked whales in the Hellenic Trench became globally known in 1998*, after the second well known mass stranding of the species in the area (more than 20 individuals), which was due to military sonar use by NATO. For all the above reasons on 2007, at the third meeting of *ACCOBAMS*, the Parties included the Hellenic Trench in the map of *proposed Marine Protected Areas for Cetaceans* and ask the Greek authorities to make the necessary steps towards this direction. In 2017, the Hellenic Trench was the first area to be listed as an/*/IMMA (Important Marine Mammal Area) /*/by the IUCN Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force./ Best wishes, Alexandros -- __________________________________________________________ Dr. Alexandros Frantzis Scientific director Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute Terpsichoris 21 16671 Vouliagmeni, GREECE Tel.: +30-210-8960108 e-mail:afrantzis@otenet.gr website:http://www.pelagosinstitute.gr https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVyp-eiteK0GBb0Lr5psk0g __________________________________________________________ -- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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Marine Mammal Genomics Opportunity at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center
by Nicole Vollmer - NOAA Affiliate 19 Apr '24

19 Apr '24

The Marine Mammal Molecular Genomics Lab (MMMGL) at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center is seeking highly motivated candidates for a Senior Research Associate I position. The MMMGL works on a variety of projects focused on marine mammal species from the northwest Atlantic and U.S. Gulf of Mexico, aimed at informing management and conservation actions. The successful applicant will conduct lab work and lead genomic analyses incorporating both microsatellite and SNP data for genetic assignment of bottlenose dolphins to stock of origin. This work will contribute to improved bycatch estimation for bottlenose dolphin populations, and provide important information to inform bycatch reduction strategies. This is a full-time position offering a comprehensive benefits package. The position is based in Crowley, Louisiana and is open to everyone, regardless of citizenship. Candidates must have a Master's degree or higher in marine biology or related field, and bioinformatics experience including managing and analyzing large genomics datasets. Anyone interested in applying should see the full description on the University of Miami Careers website ( https://careers.miami.edu/us/en/job/R100076214/Senior-Research-Associate-I) and follow the application instructions posted there. The position's requisition is R100076214. -- Nicole Vollmer Associate Scientist, Contractor with University of Miami-CIMAS in support of the Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southeast Fisheries Science Center NOAA Fisheries | U.S. Department of Commerce (337) 291-3148 (Google Voice) www.fisheries.noaa.gov

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Two new publications on Southern Ocean humpback whale trophic ecology
by Kylie Owen 19 Apr '24

19 Apr '24

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share with you our two recent publications, published as companion papers in Marine Ecology Progress Series. Bury, SJ, Peters, KJ, Sabadel, AJM, St John Glew, K, Trueman, C, Wunder, MB, Cobain, MRD, Schmitt, N, Donnelly, D, Magozzi, S, Owen, K, Brown, JCS, Escobar-Flores, P, Constantine, R, O’Driscoll, RL, Double, M, Gales, N, Childerhouse, S, Pinkerton, MH (2024) Southern Ocean humpback whale trophic ecology. I. Combining multiple stable isotope methods elucidates diet, trophic position and foraging areas. Marine Ecology Progress Series 734:123-155 - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14532 ABSTRACT: Southern Ocean humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae are capital breeders, breeding in the warm tropics/subtropics in the winter and migrating to nutrient-rich Antarctic feeding grounds in the summer. The classic feeding model is for the species to fast while migrating and breeding, surviving on blubber energy stores. Whilst northern hemisphere humpback whales are generalists, southern hemisphere counterparts are perceived as krill specialists, but for many populations, uncertainties remain regarding their diet and preferred feeding locations. This study used bulk and compound-specific stable isotope analyses and isoscape-based feeding location assignments to assess the diet, trophic ecology and likely feeding areas of humpback whales sampled in the Ross Sea region and around the Balleny Islands. Sampled whales had a mixed diet of plankton, krill and fish, similar to the diet of northern hemisphere humpback whales. Proportions of fish consumed varied but were often high (2-60%), thus challenging the widely held paradigm of Southern Ocean humpback whales being exclusive krill feeders. These whales had lower δ15N values and trophic position estimates than their northern hemisphere counterparts, likely due to lower Southern Ocean baseline δ15N surface water values and a lower percentage consumption of fish, respectively. Most whales fed in the Ross Sea shelf/slope and Balleny Islands high-productivity regions, but some isotopically distinct whales (mostly males) fed at higher trophic levels either around the Balleny Islands and frontal upwelling areas to the north, or en route to Antarctica in temperate waters off southern Australia and New Zealand. These results support other observations of humpback whales feeding during migration, highlighting the species’ dietary plasticity, which may increase their foraging and breeding success and provide them with greater resilience to anthropogenically mediated ecological change. This study highlights the importance of combining in situ field data with regional-scale isoscapes to reliably assess trophic structure and animal feeding locations, and to better inform ecosystem conservation and management of marine protected areas. Owen K, Thompson, RM, Donnelly, D, Noad, M, Bury, SJ, Pinkerton MH, Dunlop R (2024) Southern Ocean humpback whale trophic ecology. II. Influence of fasting and opportunistic feeding on skin stable isotope values of migrating whales. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 734:157-171 - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14539. ABSTRACT: Many baleen whale species migrate between low-latitude breeding grounds and high-latitude feeding grounds, with increasing evidence that humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae utilise supplemental feeding sites in temperate regions while migrating. The diet of whales while migrating is often unknown, and the impact that temperate feeding and/or fasting has on biochemical tracers used to investigate diet remains unclear. The aims of this study were to (1) determine whether prey consumption at supplemental feeding sites could be detected by carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope analysis of skin; (2) obtain information on diet during migration; and (3) ascertain the impact of potential fasting on stable isotope values of baleen whales. Skin samples were taken from the eastern Australian humpback whale population on Antarctic feeding grounds and 2 sites on the southward migration route (a sub-tropical site and a temperate site) across 2 yr. At the sub-tropical site, δ13C and δ15N were consistent with the last place of foraging 5 mo earlier. One exception was the higher (0.5 ‰) δ15N value in 2011, suggesting that in some years, potentially when blubber reserves are insufficient, δ15N may be influenced by fasting. In both years, skin δ13C and δ15N values at the temperate site were higher than those from the Antarctic and sub-tropical sites, indicating that a feeding signal from temperate zones had likely been incorporated, with whales feeding on fish and krill. Importantly, supplemental feeding while migrating could affect the interpretation of whale diet on feeding grounds if sampled early in the season. Please feel free to contact me or Sarah Bury (sarah.bury(a)niwa.co.nz<mailto:sarah.bury@niwa.co.nz>) if you have any questions. Kind Regards Kylie 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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