May 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Using Google Earth Engine in Ecological Studies (GEEE01)
by Oliver Hooker 20 May '24

20 May '24

ONLINE COURSE – Using Google Earth Engine in Ecological Studies (GEEE01) https://www.prstats.org/course/using-google-earth-engine-in-ecological-stud… 22nd - 26th July 2024 Please feel free to share! About this course; Google Earth Engine (GEE) is a cloud computing platform for processing satellite imagery and other geospatial and observational data. GEE is currently the most complete and efficient platform for performing remote sensing analysis, as it provides access to a large database of satellite imagery and the computational power needed to analyse these images. While other remote sensing programs require the user to have sufficient space and computing power available, all data and processes in GEE are done in the cloud through Google's infrastructure. GEE provides a code editor that works with JavaScript and Python. GEE is the future of remote sensing. This course will introduce attendees to open source data that can be used to help assist the conservation of marine mammals By the end of the course, participants should:  Know the catalogue of spatial datasets provided by GEE.  Know the most important satellite sensors for environmental studies in GEE.  Know how to get remote sensing products from GEE.  Process and develop new remote sensing (sub-)products in GEE.  Classify satellite imagery in GEE.  Perform different types of spatial analyses in satellite imagery in GEE. Email oliverhooker(a)prstatistics.com with any questions. -- Oliver Hooker PhD. PR stats

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New publication: Inhalant anesthesia for minimally invasive procedures in free‐ranging Guadalupe fur seals (Arctocephalus philippii townsendi) (Barbosa et al.)
by Lorraine B 19 May '24

19 May '24

Greetings Colleagues, My coauthors and I are excited to share our recent, open-access publication in Marine Mammal Science on anesthesia in free-ranging Guadalupe fur seals (*Arctocephalus philippii townsendi*). Our paper explores the effects of biometric and logistical factors (pursuit and holding time, sex, age class, body weight, year, oxygen flow rate, and total anesthesia time) on physiologic and anesthetic parameters (time to induction, total oxygen use, heart rate, respiratory rate, time to recovery, and anesthetic depth) in 175 isoflurane-anesthetized Guadalupe fur seals in a field setting. Citation: Barbosa, L., *Borremans, B.*, Deming, A.C., Gálvez, C., *Norris, T.*, *Pattison, S.**, **Whoriskey, S.* and Elorriaga‐Verplancken, F.R., Inhalant anesthesia for minimally invasive procedures in free‐ranging Guadalupe fur seals (*Arctocephalus philippii townsendi*). *Marine Mammal Science**,* p.e13124. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.13124 <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.13124> Abstract: Free-ranging otariids are routinely captured for data and sample collection. To achieve this, anesthesia may be used to facilitate handling, decrease stress, and improve human and animal safety. Injectable anesthetics are widely used for such endeavors; however, certain disadvantages to this approach warrant further exploration of alternative anesthetic techniques. Inhalant anesthesia, commonly utilized for otariids in a clinical setting, is used more sparingly in the field, with few studies assessing safety and efficacy in free-ranging otariids. During 2016–2020, 175 Guadalupe fur seals were net-captured and anesthetized with isoflurane and oxygen on Guadalupe Island, Mexico, for satellite telemetry attachment and biological sampling. To contribute to the body of knowledge surrounding the use of inhalants in the field, physiologic and anesthetic parameters (time to induction, total oxygen use, heart rate, respiratory rate, time to recovery, and anesthetic depth) were assessed for effects of biometric and logistical factors (pursuit and holding time, sex, age class, body weight, year, oxygen flow rate, and total anesthesia time). This anesthetic technique provided rapid induction and recovery times and rare side effects in Guadalupe fur seals, serving as a practical means of field immobilization for minimally invasive procedures in this imperiled species. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Thank you, Lorraine *Lorraine Barbosa, DVM, MPVM, Dipl. ACVPM* Senior Manager - Wildlife Operations Oiled Wildlife Care Network Wildlife Health Center University of California, Davis lbarbosa(a)ucdavis.edu

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New paper: Novel coupled dynamical model for predator-prey systems
by Samantha Hamilton 18 May '24

18 May '24

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are excited to share our recent, open-access publication in *Biological Conservation*: Hamilton, S. N. M., Tinker, M. T., Jackson, J., Tomoleoni, J. A., Kenner, M. C., Yee, J. L., Bell, T. W., Castorani, M. C. N., & Hughes, B. B. (2024). Modeling coupled dynamics of an empirical predator-prey system to predict top predator recovery. *Biological Conservation, 294, *110623. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2024.110623 ABSTRACT: Limited data, time, and funding lead conservation managers to make difficult choices in managing species recovery. Coupled dynamical models are relied upon for decision support, but their application to empirical predator-prey systems has generally been restricted to small, tractable species. To broaden their use in conservation decision-making, we developed a model suitable for predicting the population dynamics of a larger apex carnivore and its prey. We selected southern sea otters (*Enhydra lutris nereis*) and their primary estuarine prey as our case study and parameterized the dynamical model with data on sea otter, clam, and crab abundances; predator-prey interactions; and sea otter bioenergetics collected from Elkhorn Slough, CA. Our model, having integrated all these salient factors, was able to successfully reproduce trends in taxa abundance as well as shifts in sea otter diet composition and energy intake rates. Rich data inputs allow the model to predict population dynamics over realistic temporal scales not only for the site of data collection, but also for similar estuaries uncolonized by sea otters. Based on model projections parameterized with prey survey data from two such estuaries, Tomales Bay and Drakes Estero, we predict the sites could support over 160 sea otters and may hold potential to further species recovery. In systems with good data availability, the model has high predictive power and can provide multi-taxa projections useful for making informed management decisions. Cheers, Samantha ----- Samantha Hamilton, M.S. Research Intern, Sea Otter Savvy Email: samantha.nm.hamilton(a)gmail.com

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Re: [MARMAM] Wildlife Biologist Opening, Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game
by Polasek, Lori K (DFG) 17 May '24

17 May '24

JOB POSTING REMINDER- CLOSES MAY 27th The Alaska Department of Fish and Game seeking an experienced high level wildlife biologist with an interest in marine mammal research and conservation with vision to lead a skilled team of scientists. The individual would ideally have experience in cetacean biology. The position will design, plan, coordinate and complete scientific publications for the Gulf and Bering Marine Mammal Program. The position will be posted for a month and closes on May 27, 2024. The full posting can be found here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/alaska/jobs/4484565/wildlife-biologi…

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New paper: Low hunting costs in an expensive marine mammal predator
by Laia Rojano Doñate 17 May '24

17 May '24

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of all authors, I am pleased to announce our recent publication in Science Advances: Rojano-Doñate L., Teilmann J., Wisniewska D.M., Jensen F.H., Siebert U., McDonald B.I., Elmegaard S.L., Sveegaard S., Dietz R., Johnson M., and Madsen P.T. 2024. Low hunting costs in an expensive marine mammal predator. Science Advances 10(20):eadj7132. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adj7132 ABSTRACT: Many large terrestrial mammalian predators use energy-intensive, high-risk, high-gain strategies to pursue large, high-quality prey. However, similar-sized marine mammal predators with even higher field metabolic rates (FMRs) consistently target prey three to six orders of magnitude smaller than themselves. Here, we address the question of how these active and expensive marine mammal predators can gain sufficient energy from consistently targeting small prey during breath-hold dives. Using harbor porpoises as model organisms, we show that hunting small aquatic prey is energetically cheap (<20% increase in FMR) for these marine predators, but it requires them to spend a large proportion (>60%) of time foraging. We conclude that this grazing foraging strategy on small prey is viable for marine mammal predators despite their high FMR because they can hunt near continuously at low marginal expense. Consequently, cessation of foraging due to human disturbance comes at a high cost, as porpoises must maintain their high thermoregulation costs with a reduced energy intake. The article is open-access and available at https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adj7132 Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any question. Best wishes, Laia -------------------------------------------- Laia Rojano-Doñate, Postdoctoral Fellow, Marine Bioacoustics Lab<http://www.marinebioacoustics.com/> Marine Mammal Research - Dept. of Ecoscience & Zoophysiology - Dept. of Biology Aarhus University C.F. Møllers Allé 3, Building 1130 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark Email: laiard(a)ecos.au.dk<mailto:laiard@ecos.au.dk> Office phone: +45 87150292 Twitter: laia_rojano<https://twitter.com/laia_rojano>

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Issue 50.3 Available from Aquatic Mammals journal
by Kathleen Dudzinski 14 May '24

14 May '24

Dear MARMAM Subscribers, The third issue of volume 50 (50.3) of Aquatic Mammals journal is available online and will be officially published on Wednesday (15 May). 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: Achmad Sahri, Régis Hocdé, Muhammad R. Nandika, Fahmi, Lay Tjarles, La O. Alifatri, Jafry F. Manuhutu, Mathias Taborat, Ferdinand I. P. Bata, Danielle Kreb, Putu L. K. Mustika, and Laura Mannocci. (2024). Updating the Cetacean Species List of Raja Ampat, Indonesia, with Additional Sightings of the Rarely Documented Omura’s Whale (Balaenoptera omurai) and a New Record of Melon-Headed Whales (Peponocephala electra). Aquatic Mammals, 50(3), 171-180. **Mariah L. Tengler, Jennifer Dearolf, Anna L. Bryan, Colleen Reichmuth, and Nicole M. Thometz. (2024). Comparative Muscle Physiology of Ringed (Pusa hispida), Bearded (Erignathus barbatus), and Spotted (Phoca largha) Seals from the Bering and Chukchi Seas. Aquatic Mammals, 50(3), 181-198. Israel Huesca-Domínguez, Eduardo Morteo, Luis G. Abarca-Arenas, Brian C. Balmer, Tara M. Cox, Christian A. Delfín-Alfonso, and Isabel C. Hernández-Candelario. (2024). Assessing Residency and Site Fidelity in Bottlenose Dolphins: A Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis. Aquatic Mammals, 50(3), 199-214. Romyna A. Cruz-Vallejo, Fernando R. Elorriaga-Verplancken, Arturo B. Enríquez-García, and Eunice D. Rodríguez-Rafael. (2024). Foraging Segregation Between Adult Female Northern Elephant Seals (Mirounga angustirostris) from Guadalupe Island and the San Benito Archipelago, Mexico. Aquatic Mammals, 50(3), 215-222. Julia Zaias, Sarah H. Johnson, Analeigh Laine, Nikki Maribona, Allison Mooney, Lauryn Nobles, Ana Noel, Alannah S. Orengo, Ryan Pittsinger, Brienna Wagler, Shannon Wallace, and Kristen Weber. (2024). Holistic Pinniped Welfare Index (HPWI): A Tool to Assess Welfare in Pinnipeds. Aquatic Mammals, 50(3), 223-229. Jeroen Hofs, Jure Miočić-Stošić, Maša Frleta-Valić, Peter Mackelworth, and Draško Holcer. (2024). Defying Evolution: Observations of a Mouth-Breathing Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Aquatic Mammals, 50(3), 230-236. Chiaki Yamato, Kotaro Ichikawa, Kongkiat Kittiwattanawong, and Nobuaki Arai. (2024). Local Variation in Feeding Ground Utilization of Dugongs (Dugong dugon) Across Two Intertidal Seagrass Beds in Talibong Island, Thailand. Aquatic Mammals, 50(3), 237-251. Minmin Chen, Liang Fang, Xuequn Li, Dara Saing, Yuxi Lian, Ping Zhang, Kang Zhang, and Daoping Yu. (2024). Composition of Large Prey Species of Irrawaddy Dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) in the Mekong River: Implications for Conservation of the Prey Resources. Aquatic Mammals, 50(3), 252-258. **Lorenzo von Fersen, Dave Bader, James Danoff-Burg, Frank Cipriano, Laura Perry, and Silvio Marchini. (2024). The Human Dimensions of Small Cetacean Conservation: 2022 Workshop Report, Nuremberg, Germany. Aquatic Mammals, 50(3),259-271. **Martin Böye. (2024). Marine Mammal Experts. Let’s Share Your Stories! An Open Letter Reflecting on the 52nd Annual Symposium. Aquatic Mammals, 50(3), 272-273.

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New paper: A review on residency and site fidelity in bottlenose dolphins...
by Eduardo Morteo 13 May '24

13 May '24

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to announce our recent publication in Aquatic Mammals titled “Assessing residency and site fidelity in bottlenose dolphins: a literature review and bibliometric analysis". Huesca-Domínguez I. Morteo E.* Abarca-Arenas L.G. Balmer B.C. Cox T. M. Delfín-Alfonso C.A. Hernández-Candelario I.C. 2024. Assessing residency and site fidelity in bottlenose dolphins: a literature review and bibliometric analysis. Aquatic Mammals 50(3):199-214. ABSTRACT: Residency and site fidelity are important parameters in population ecology for many species as they indicate the temporal and spatial use for individuals. Although both terms are clearly different, they are used interchangeably due to lack of clarity in their definitions and the ways to assess them, especially in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.). Individuals with well-defined patterns of residency and site fidelity may be more vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances; thus, the study of these parameters may help to better assess such impacts. However, interspecific differences and logistical restrictions for the study of dolphins have prevented consensus. We set out to investigate the factors that have influenced measurements of residency and site fidelity in bottlenose and a set of other dolphin species through a retrospective (~30 y: 1990 to 2019) literature review. We found 117 scientific papers with a two-fold increasing trend approximately every 15 years, with 50% published in only four journals. Most of the studies were developed in the United States, followed by Australia and Europe, likely due to strict policies for marine mammal conservation. Author collaboration network analysis showed highly atomized national groups in which North American organizations formed the biggest cluster, followed by Australia, Africa, and Europe. However, large worldwide gaps still exist, possibly because of the heterogeneity in marine mammal sampling efforts and limited information availability in the North Pacific, Central and South America, Africa, Asia, and the Indian Ocean. We found 30 different classification methods in which 12 were based on defined categories. We provide conceptual aid to distinguish between the use of both terms, as well as guidance to tackle the challenge of defining patterns of temporal use due to the variability of thresholds for classifying individuals. A paradigm shift is needed to create comprehensive, standardized, and generalized assessments of residency and site fidelity, which can be compared based on their performance across different populations of bottlenose dolphins around the world. You may find this paper at: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.50.3.2024.199 Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Cheers! E. 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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MSc opportunity focused on odontocete body condition and aging
by Cortney Watt 13 May '24

13 May '24

Dear MARMAM members We are pleased to advertise two funded MSc positions focused on: 1. Body condition in beluga whales 2. Aging in Monodontids At the University of Manitoba, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, under the co-supervision of Dr. Cortney Watt, and Dr. Jim Roth (1) or Dr. Colin Garroway (2). Qualified (hold a BSc) and interested candidates should send their CV, an example of their writing (a document/report they first author), and a brief paragraph on why they want to pursue a MSc in 1) or 2) above to: cortney.watt(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca<mailto:cortney.watt@dfo-mpo.gc.ca> Thank you. Cortney Watt, PhD Adjunct Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Research Scientist, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

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Speaker Series (FL) - Superheroes of Manatee Conservation
by Cheryl Munday 13 May '24

13 May '24

For those of you in Florida, you don't want to miss this speaker series at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Join Clearwater Marine Aquarium for *Echoes of the Ocean: A Marine Life Speaker Series* at Clearwater Marine Aquarium on June 6th. We are excited to welcome *Superheroes of Manatee Conservation*, Dr. James “Buddy” Powell and Jamal Galves, as we explore the ongoing efforts and challenges of protecting these gentle giants. Dr. Powell, one of the world’s leading experts on manatees, will share stories from a lifetime of manatee research. These two superheroes have worked to protect manatees in the U.S. Caribbean, Central America, and throughout their range; we are excited to bring these efforts to Clearwater Marine Aquarium in our <https://www.cmaquarium.org/rising-tides/>new Manatee Rehabilitation Center <https://www.cmaquarium.org/rising-tides/>. <https://www.cmaquarium.org/rising-tides/> We will hear about this new facility, rehabilitation efforts, and the manatees in our care from CMA’s Manatee Care Manager, Tanya Ward. Space is limited; purchasing tickets in advance is highly encouraged. https://www.cmaquarium.org/echoes-of-the-ocean/ *Cheryl Munday* Principal Consultant The Conservation Marketing Group, LLC 727.735.2601 (c)

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New publication: Fin whale song in the North Atlantic
by Regina Guazzo 13 May '24

13 May '24

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are happy to announce the following open-access publication: Guazzo RA, Stevenson DL, Edell MK, Gagnon GJ and Helble TA (2024). A decade of change and stability for fin whale song in the North Atlantic. Front. Mar. Sci. 11:1278068. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2024.1278068 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2024.1278068 Abstract: Fin whale song is a ubiquitous low-frequency pulsing that has been recorded in every ocean basin. In recent years, the complexity of fin whale song has been realized. In the North Atlantic, this song is made up of two low-frequency note types (A and B notes) and one higher-frequency note type (upsweeps). The A and B notes are produced with both singlet and doublet inter-note intervals. These song patterns are interwoven throughout an individual’s song and have been observed to shift over time, both gradually and suddenly. Like many baleen whales, the population size of fin whales is poorly defined. Passive acoustic monitoring has been suggested as a way to estimate abundance if a cue rate or calling rate can be determined. In this study, we used recordings from 119 fin whale tracks from 2013–2023 generated from passive acoustic recorders in the North Atlantic to define fin whale song patterns in this ocean basin, identify changes in these song patterns over time, and calculate cue rates. The fin whales recorded sang in 4 distinct patterns. Inter-note intervals were 25 s for A-A singlets, 13 s for B-B singlets, 12/20 s for B-B doublets, and 10/11 s for A-B doublets. B-B doublet inter-note intervals significantly increased from May 2019–April 2023 and A-B inter-note intervals showed an intra-annual increasing trend that reset each summer. Fin whale song in the North Atlantic also often includes higher frequency upsweep notes immediately prior to B notes. While A and B note peak frequency was steady over these years, upsweep peak frequency significantly decreased, continuing a similar trend that has been observed over 30 years. Despite these changes, the dominant song pattern remained consistent and cue rate for actively singing whales was relatively stable, which is in contrast to patterns observed in the North Pacific. Many of these nuances in fin whale singing behavior are newly described herein, and these findings are vital for monitoring baseline behavior, behavioral trends over time, and ultimately estimating abundance of a poorly understood species. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about this work. All my best, Regina -- Regina A. Guazzo, PhD (she/her) Oceanographer and University Engagement Lead Whale Acoustic Reconnaissance Project (WARP) Environmental Readiness Branch, Code 56720 Naval Information Warfare Center, Pacific Work Cell: 757-472-0957

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