May 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Senior Biologist Position Clearwater Marine Aquarium
by Abby Stone 13 May '24

13 May '24

POSITION TITLE: NFWF-Funded Senior Biologist REPORTS TO: Rescue Supervisor SUPERVISES: Rescue Team Volunteers and Interns EXEMPT OR NON-EXEMPT: Non-Exempt PERCENTAGE OF FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT: 100% Full-Time PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY: The NFWF-Funded Senior Biologist plays a crucial role in cetacean stranding preparedness, field responses, necropsies, data collection, project management, reporting, and grant funding. The NFWF-Funded Senior Biologist must demonstrate exceptional flexibility and adaptability. They are expected to be available before and after regularly scheduled shifts five days a week to assist with unpredictable events, such as cetacean strandings and network collaborations. They are on call to field public reports after hours up to three evenings per week. The position requires frequent travel and abrupt changes to work schedules and priorities, and it may involve traveling beyond CMA's coverage area and to other facilities and different job sites. Field responses, necropsies, and post-event responsibilities (e.g., data management, reporting, and media requests) may require changes to regularly scheduled days off and occasional overtime hours if reducing office hours within the same week to avoid overtime is impossible. Overtime hours must be approved by management. The NFWF-Funded Senior Biologist role primarily focuses on cetacean stranding events and research. While up to 10% of hours can be applied to manatee fieldwork, it's important to note that per the conditions of the grant, this position does not support the rehabilitation of marine mammals, nor does it support work related to other wildlife, such as sea turtles or birds. The NFWF-Funded Senior Biologist can, however, gain practical hands-on experience and training to improve stranding response efforts through participation in periodic handling and examination of rehabilitating or resident marine mammals. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: * Operate stranding response equipment including, but not limited to, heavy-duty pickup trucks with hydrolytic lift systems; a Freightliner box truck with extended cab and air brakes; 17 ft and 24 ft Carolina skiffs, 23 ft Dorado V-Hull, and a 28 ft custom boat with a center-mounted outboard motor * Recover all cetacean carcasses within CMA's coverage area promptly to increase the quantity and quality of data and sample collection * Perform thorough necropsies as the lead examiner within 12 hours of recovery of code 2 and 3 cetacean carcasses following the GoMEX sample collection checklist * Coordinate internally and externally to rapidly respond to live cetacean stranding events, which may occur on holidays and outside regularly scheduled shifts. * Ensure efficient and well-organized stranding response efforts through various tasks aimed at sustaining optimal preparedness, such as regular personnel and community stakeholder training, volunteer management, and the proper maintenance and organization of equipment and supplies via routine inventories and inspections, purchases, cleaning, and storage * Teach stranding response and necropsy procedures to associate biologists, interns, and volunteers * Draft reports, label photos, and submit tissue samples within three weeks of necropsies * Manage data and sample collection, documentation, storage, and submissions * Monitor CMA's emergency stranding hotline and field reports during on-call shifts * Lead up-to-date stranding response workshops for volunteers, interns, various first responder groups, and community stakeholders in CMA's designated response area * Manage internal databases for field responses, necropsies, and biological samples * Participate in various filming and media events, which require giving interviews and being on camera * Write and edit grant proposals * Clean and organize the cetacean necropsy trailer and cold room * Produce high-quality, professionally written work, including standard operating procedures, technical reports, and other material relevant to fieldwork and necropsies * Maintain network partner relationships through good communication and collaboration * Oversee a comprehensive internship program * Participate in outreach events, networking, and other activities that involve traveling to interact with the public * Participate in and facilitate research projects MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION: * A bachelor's degree in a related discipline from an accredited college/university is preferred * Minimum of four years combined relevant professional experience * Excellent written and oral communication skills * Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and related software programs * Experience operating watercraft vessels and trailering * Experience driving medium-sized box trucks * Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines and adapt to changing priorities * Excellent time management, organization, and data entry skills * Self-starter, ability to work autonomously and function well under pressure * Valid FL driver's license * SCUBA Certification is preferred PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: * Lift to 50 lbs. to waist level - Frequently * Lift to 20 lbs. to shoulders and above head - Frequently * Walk/stand for long periods - Frequently * Maneuver safely on uneven terrain or in tight spaces - Frequently * Safely climb ladders when needed - Moderate Frequency * Squat, bend, kneel, twist, and reach - Frequently * Reach above the shoulders - Frequently * Push and pull larger equipment - Frequently * Work outdoors in all weather conditions and adapt to changing weather - Frequently * Work indoors, under cover without air conditioning or heat - Frequently * Work extended daily hours, overnight, and up to 60 hours per week - Occasionally The Clearwater Marine Aquarium reserves the right to revise job descriptions or work hours as required. All job requirements are subject to change to reflect the evolving position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis. Company is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Clearwater Marine Aquarium participates in E-Verify, please view the Notice of E-Verify Participation<https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify_Participati…> and the Notice of Right to Work<https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RightToWor…>. Abby Stone Rescue Programs Manager & Stranding Coordinator Office 727-441-1790 x2301 Mobile 727-278-0476 Email astone(a)cmaquarium.org<mailto:astone@cmaquarium.org> Website www.CMAquarium.org<http://www.cmaquarium.org/> ______________________________ [cid:image029.png@01D7D798.11ED8AA0] 249 Windward Passage | Clearwater, FL 33767 [cid:image030.png@01D7D798.11ED8AA0] [cid:image031.png@01D7D798.11ED8AA0] [cid:image032.png@01D7D798.11ED8AA0] [cid:image033.png@01D7D798.11ED8AA0]

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 13 May '24

13 May '24

*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL* *BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor, hiking, kayaking, surf classes and others. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from May to end of November 2024. The minimum internship attendance is 7 days. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos, commercial dolphin watching boats and from the shore. Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions. The field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: - Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; - Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; - Access and collect environmental data; - Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.; - Collect photos to photo-identification, acoustic recording, and underwater videos; - Help to collect of drone footage from the marine mammals; - Land base monitoring of marine mammals. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on internship fees for the 2024 season, please contact: interns(a)aimmportugal.org *Included* in the fee is: - Accommodation in AIMM field station; - Transportation to/from the marina; - All meals at home (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); - Fieldwork; - Theoretical classes. *Not included* in the fee is: - Transportation to/from Albufeira; - Meals in restaurants; - Free time activities; - Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); - Others personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* - Be above the age of 16; - Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; - Be autonomous and flexible; - Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; - Speak English; - Participate for minimum 7 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: - Relevant marine mammal field experience - Working experience on research vessels - Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms - Experience in photo-identification - Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: * You can apply on AIMM website here <http://www.aimmportugal.org/opportunities/dolphin-research-internship/>*.* *or * Send us an e-mail to: interns(a)aimmportugal.org, with the subject “*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP*” with your CV and motivation letter. We will send you a confirmation email with the availability and all the other details. Applications will be accepted during all season. However, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. The follow links are a shorts videos about the internship in Albufeira. You get a different perspective and feedback from old participants about it: http://bit.ly/aimm-movie <https://bit.ly/AIMM-movie> https://youtu.be/hTJJQPHBdI0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zTIEQEsftA *Contacts*: interns(a)aimmportugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | Thank you, <http://aimm-marineresearch.blogspot.com/> [image: Logo AIMM] <https://www.aimmportugal.org/> Associação para Investigação do Meio Marinho *Marine Environment Research Association* m: (00351) 915013285 e: interns(a)aimmportugal.org www.aimmportugal.org <https://www.facebook.com/AIMM.org> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8jcTONJZsvaQ3tZiQtRFNQ> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/aimm-portugal---marine-environment-researc…> <https://www.instagram.com/aimmportugal_org/>

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New publication: Automated body length and body condition measurements of whales from drone videos for rapid assessment of population health
by Bierlich, Kevin C 10 May '24

10 May '24

Greetings MARMAM, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce our recent publication in Marine Mammal Science titled "Automated body length and body condition measurements of whales from drone videos for rapid assessment of population health". The article is open-access and available at https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.13137 Bierlich, K.C., Karki, S., Bird, C. N., Fern, A., & Torres, L. G. (2024). Automated body length and body condition measurements of whales from drone videos for rapid assessment of population health. Marine Mammal Science, e13137. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.13137 Abstract: Monitoring body length and body condition of individuals helps determine overall population health and assess adaptation to environmental changes. Aerial photogrammetry from drone-based videos is a valuable method for obtaining body length and body condition measurements of cetaceans. However, the laborious manual processing of drone-based videos to select frames to measure animals ultimately delays assessment of population health and hinders conservation actions. Here, we apply deep learning methods to expedite the processing of drone-based videos to improve efficiency of obtaining important morphological measurements of whales. We develop two user-friendly models to automatically (1) detect and output frames containing whales from drone-based videos (“DeteX”) and (2) extract body length and body condition measurements from input frames (“XtraX”). We use drone-based videos of gray whales to compare manual versus automated measurements (n = 86). Our results show automated methods reduced processing times by one-ninth, while achieving similar accuracy as manual measurements (mean coefficient of variation <5%). We also demonstrate how these methods are adaptable to other species and identify remaining challenges to help further improve automated measurements in the future. Importantly, these tools greatly speed up obtaining key morphological data while maintaining accuracy, which is critical for effectively monitoring population health. DeteX and XtraX can be viewed and accessed here: https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/centers-excellence/codex/software-hardware/dete… To receive updates on other hardware and software tools related to drone-based photogrammetry, you can join the Marine Mammal Institute's Center of Drone Excellence (CODEX) (https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/centers-excellence/codex) listserv here: https://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/codex Cheers, KC KC (Kevin) Bierlich, PhD, MEM Postdoctoral Scholar Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna (GEMM<https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/gemm-lab>) Lab Center of Drone Excellence (CODEX<https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/centers-excellence/codex>) Marine Mammal Institute, Dept. of Fisheries, Wildlife, & Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University Pronouns: he, him, his kevin.bierlich(a)oregonstate.edu<mailto:kevin.bierlich@oregonstate.edu>

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DMAD Joint ACCOBAMS PAM/MMO Course
by DMAD Marine Mammals Research Association 10 May '24

10 May '24

Certified ACCOBAMS for Marine Mammals Observers (MMO) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Systems (PAM) Operators, with additional PAM training for those interested in baseline survey data analysis DMAD -Marine Mammals Research Association under the agreement signed with ACCOBAMS (Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans in the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and contiguous Atlantic area) will be running a MMO/PAM training course to qualify individuals as Marine Mammal Observers and operators of Passive Acoustic Monitoring systems with ACCOBAMS certification. When: 06 - 12 July 2024/ Where: Anadolufeneri, Istanbul, Turkey/ Price*: 1100 Euro The Qualification: The ACCOBAMS qualification enables people to work as Marine Mammals Observers (MMOs) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) operators across the Mediterranean and Black Sea in 24 countries, where it is the agreed course requirement for such work. Following completion of the course, participants are equipped to mitigate noise impacts on cetaceans, by applying the knowledge, expertise and skills acquired during the training course, and to use the standard procedures, forms and manuals, in accordance with the ACCOBAMS principles. A second Advanced PAM certification course will then explore further animal identification techniques and mitigation, utilising the recently published (Feb, 2024) Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) PAM guidance offshore operations. Additionally, participants will explore the use of Ravenpro and PAMguardviewer in analysis of recordings for research and baseline studies. Speakers and Presenters: Chartered Marine Scientist and MMO/PAM operator Patrick Lyne, DMAD founder and director Dr. Aylin Akkaya Requirements: - Graduated/current student in biology or ecology or have experience that demonstrates a commitment to the environment and its conservation. - Minimum 30 days working with marine mammals (with references/records ) - Basic knowledge to recognize the different species and understand the behaviour of animals at sea - Basic knowledge of marine acoustics. - Ability to communicate in English - Laptop with recent version of PAMguard installed Topics Covered in the ACCOBAMS Training Course: - Introduction to underwater acoustics - Introduction to marine mammals of the Mediterranean and Black Seas. - Introduction to human activities generating underwater noise and impacts on marine mammals - Introduction to existing regulations, mitigation procedures and ACCOBAMS Guidelines - Discussion of different distance estimation techniques. - Introduction to the role of MMO/PAM - Introduction to the “life style” onboard Advanced course units - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map acoustic detections and visual sightings. - Using PAM for mitigation and research - Exercises in use of PAMguard with animal identification, using filters and automatic identifiers. - Introduction to hardware used for PAM - Hands on training with PAMGUARD - Ravenpro and PAMguardviewer with exercises. - Tips and troubleshooting. It is expected that there will be 1.5 days spent on a boat and 4.5 days of classroom sessions. The exact timing will be dependent on weather conditions, though this should not be an issue. If a JNCC certification is required please specify and this can be arranged in addition. For more information or to apply e-mail: info(a)dmad.org.tr *Price covers the training and certificates *Accommodation and transportation costs at the location will be the responsibility of the participant but recommendations will be given. *There will be one and a half days of boat-based training where there is a good chance of seeing the unique sub-species in the Black Sea (harbour porpoise, bottlenose dolphin and common dolphin. This will allow further practice of skills learned during the course. *A discount of €50 will apply to anyone who can show evidence of being a member of any non-profit NGO engaged in marine conservation or the MMOA (Marine Mammal Observer Association). *The course is subject to a minimum of 6 people and a maximum of 14.

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New publication: Environmental disturbances and OCs contamination in Guiana dolphins (Juliana Brião)
by Juliana Aguiar 09 May '24

09 May '24

Dear MARMAM colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our new publication entitled "Back on top: Resuspended by dredging and other environmental disturbances, organochlorine compounds may affect the health of a dolphin population in a tropical estuary, Sepetiba Bay" recently published in Environmental Pollution. Abstract: Organochlorine compounds (OCs) are persistent organic pollutants linked to damaging the immune and endocrine systems, leading to a greater susceptibility to infectious diseases at high concentrations. Sepetiba Bay, in the Southeastern Brazilian coast, historically presents anthropogenic activities and environmental contamination that could negatively impact resident populations. In this context, this study aimed to investigate the temporal trends in the accumulation of organochlorine compounds over a 12-year database in the Guiana dolphins’ (Sotalia guianensis) resident population from Sepetiba Bay, including individuals collected before, during, and after an unusual mortality event triggered by morbillivirus (n = 85). The influence of biological parameters was also evaluated. The OCs concentrations in the blubber ranged from 0.98 to 739 μg/g of ΣPCB; 0.08–130 μg/g of ΣDDT; <0.002–4.56 μg/g of mirex; <0.002–1.84 μg/g of ΣHCH and <0.001–0.16 μg/g of HCB in lipid weight. Increased temporal trends were found for OCs in Guiana dolphins coinciding with periods of large events of dredging in the region. In this way, our findings suggest that the constant high OCs concentrations throughout the years in this Guiana dolphin population are a result of the constant environmental disturbance in the area, such as dredging. These elevated OCs levels, e.g., ΣPCB concentrations found above the known thresholds, may impair the response of the immune system during outbreak periods, which could lead the population to a progressive decline. The article can be found here <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123788> < https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749124005025?via… > Best regards, *MSc. Juliana Aguiar Brião *

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Job Opportunity NMFS Office of Protected Resources
by BRUCE Morehead 08 May '24

08 May '24

Dear MARMAM Community Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is soliciting candidates for a contract position with the NMFS Office of Protected Resources described below and would appreciate your help in providing the application link to your membership.OAI supplies personnel support services on contract to government and industry clients for marine fisheries and protected species. DUTIES: * Processing and assisting with requests for scientific research, enhancement and photography permits and authorizations pursuant to Section 104 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), Section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act and NMFS' policies, including: reviewing applications; coordinating with applicants; conducting analyses; responding to public comments; and drafting all necessary documents. * Conducting and assisting with necessary National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses and Endangered Species Act (ESA) consultations on the issuance of permits indicated. * Critically analyzing and assisting with the compilation and analysis of scientific literature, agency documents, and other applicable information to assess impacts of activities on marine mammals and developing/evaluating mitigation and monitoring to support agency findings under the MMPA, ESA, and NEPA. * Communicating program policies, requirements, and issues to the public and other Federal Agencies, as well as to other NOAA programs and leadership. * Travel may be necessary on a limited basis to attend meetings or workshops, in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations. Link to Job Posting: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.htm… Bruce Morehead Senior Associate Ocean Associates, Incorporated 240-461-9699 (phone/text) bc.morehead(a)comcast.net mailto:bc.morehead@comcast.net On the web at http://www.OceanAssoc.com http://www.oceanassoc.com/

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Upcoming Editors Select Webinar: Are abrupt humpback whale song changes specific to the Southern hemisphere? with Drs. Maria Isabel Goncalves and Divna Djokic
by Student Members-at-Large Society for Marine Mammalogy 07 May '24

07 May '24

Greetings MARMAM community! Join us on Thursday May 16th 2024 at 8 am EDT / 2 pm CET for the next SMM Editors Select Series Webinar: Are abrupt humpback whale song changes specific to the Southern hemisphere? with Drs. Maria Isabel Goncalves and Divna Djokic This event is free to attend and presented online via Zoom, but registration is required. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Kensgx4QSIyWP0rrqrrZow#/registr… The talk will also be live streamed on the SMM Facebook page. About this talk: The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a species known for its singing abilities. Humpback whale song is a complex system built in a methodical way: units, the smallest elements – similar to notes – combine to form phrases, repeated phrases constitute a theme, and different themes make up a song. Each population of humpback whales has a specific song, which is predominantly expressed on the breeding ground. These songs change throughout the year. When the change is subtle, it is called song “evolution”. Sometimes, however, songs go through sudden and intense changes, recognized as song “revolutions”. These abrupt changes have so far only been recorded in humpback whale populations in Australia and surrounding areas. Our understanding of how, why, and how much difference there is between song “evolution” and “revolution” is still growing. However, using passive acoustic monitoring, we identified abrupt changes in humpback whale song in the Southwest Atlantic, off the Brazilian coast. We suggest this is the newest case of song revolution and the first recorded outside of the Pacific. Our findings also indicate these kinds of abrupt changes may only occur in Southern hemisphere humpback whale populations, and in this talk we propose several reasons for this difference from Northern hemisphere whales. About the presenters: Divna Djokic is a biologist originally from Serbia. As Serbia has no sea, she headed to the coasts to learn to speak whale. She completed a Masters in Marine Ecology in the lab of Dr. Michel Andre, focused on the acoustic ecology of sperm whales and worked as a Marine Mammal Observer in Italy before heading to Brazil, where she completed a PhD in humpback whale acoustics under the supervision of Dr. Renata Sousa Lima. The paper she will present with her colleague Isabel is a part of her PhD thesis research. Maria Isabel Gonçalves is a Portuguese marine biologist who lives in Brazil and coordinates the Whales from the Hill Project. She received her PhD in Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation from the State University of Santa Cruz, Brazil, which was the starting point of the Whales from the Hill Project, a research and conservation effort that studies humpback whales in southern Bahia. Her interests include the ecology, behavior, and communication of cetaceans and communicating science to the broader public. Open access to this article is made temporarily available in the weeks around the presentation and can be found here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.13093 Current SMM members have access to all Marine Mammal Science papers. *Please note that this will be the last Editors’ Select Webinar until after the SMM Biennial Conference in Perth, WA in November 2024* We hope to see you there! The SMM Student Members-at-Large Theresa-Anne Tatom-Naecker, Ph.D. Candidate Sophia Volzke, Ph.D. Candidate Clinton Factheu, Ph.D. Candidate Student Members-at-Large The Society for Marine Mammalogy

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New publication: No distinct local cuisines among humpback whales: A population diet comparison in the Southern Hemisphere
by Jasmin Groß 07 May '24

07 May '24

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my coauthors, I'm pleased to announce our new open-access publication: Groß, J., Franco-Santos, R.M., Virtue, P., Nichols, P.D., Totterdell, J., Marcondes, M.C.C., Garrigue, C., Botero-Acosta, N., Christiansen, F., Castrillon, J., Caballero, S.J., Friedlaender, A.S., Kawaguchi, S., Double, M.C., Bell, E.M., Makabe, R., Moteki, M., Hoem, N., Fry, B., Burford, M., Bengtson Nash, S., 2024. No distinct local cuisines among humpback whales: A population diet comparison in the Southern Hemisphere. Science of The Total Environment 931, 172939. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172939<https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969724030869?via=ihub> The article can be downloaded HERE<https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969724030869?via=ihub>. Highlighted Findings * Different Southern hemisphere humpback whale populations have distinct fatty acid and stable isotope profiles * All tested humpback whales are secondary heterotrophs following an omnivorous diet with a diatom origin * Each tested humpback whale population follows a high-fidelity Antarctic krill diet * All tested humpback whale populations feed in biologically productive areas Abstract Southern hemisphere humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae, SHHW) breeding populations follow a high-fidelity Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) diet while feeding in distinct sectors of the Southern Ocean. Their capital breeding life history requires predictable ecosystem productivity to fuel migration and migration-related behaviours. It is therefore postulated that populations feeding in areas subject to the strongest climate change impacts are more likely to show the first signs of a departure from a high-fidelity krill diet. We tested this hypothesis by investigating blubber fatty acid profiles and skin stable isotopes obtained from five SHHW populations in 2019, and comparing them to Antarctic krill stable isotopes sampled in three SHHW feeding areas in the Southern Ocean in 2019. Fatty acid profiles and δ13C and δ15N varied significantly among all five populations, however, calculated trophic positions did not (2.7 to 3.1). Similarly, fatty acid ratios, 16:1ω7c/16:0 and 20:5ω3/22:6ω3 were above 1, showing that whales from all five populations are secondary heterotrophs following an omnivorous diet with a diatom-origin. Thus, evidence for a potential departure from a high-fidelity Antarctic krill diet was not seen in any population. δ13C of all populations were similar to δ13C of krill sampled in productive upwelling areas or the marginal sea-ice zone. Consistency in trophic position and diet origin but significant fatty acid and stable isotope differences demonstrate that the observed variability arises at lower trophic levels. Our results indicate that, at present, there is no evidence of a divergence from a high-fidelity krill diet. Nevertheless, the characteristic isotopic signal of whales feeding in productive upwelling areas, or in the marginal sea-ice zone, implies that future cryosphere reductions could impact their feeding ecology. Feel free to email me with any questions you might have. Cheers, Jasmin — — Dr Jasmin Groß (she/her) #CallMeByMyFirstName Postdoctoral Research Fellow Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity | Ammerländer Heerstraße 231, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany I Fulbright Alumna I SOPOPP Alumna | Email: jasmin.gross(a)hifmb.de<mailto:jasmin.gross@hifmb.de> Phone: +49 (0)471 4831 2519 X: @jasmin4689<https://twitter.com/jasmin4689> Google Scholar: Dr Jasmin Groß<https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=UGOcQRcAAAAJ&hl=en>

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New Publication: Historical baleen plates indicate that once abundant Antarctic blue and fin whales demonstrated distinct migratory and foraging strategies
by Smith, Malia Elizabeth Ku'ulei'i'ini 06 May '24

06 May '24

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent *open-access* publication in Ecology and Evolution: Historical baleen plates indicate that once abundant Antarctic blue and fin whales demonstrated distinct migratory and foraging strategies Smith, M. E. K., Ososky, J. J., Hunt, K. E., Cioffi, W. R, Read, A. J., Friedlaender, A. S., McCarthy, M. D., & Fleming, A. H. (2024). Historical baleen plates indicate that once abundant Antarctic blue and fin whales demonstrated distinct migratory and foraging strategies. Ecology and Evolution, 14(5). https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.11376 Abstract: Southern hemisphere blue (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia) and fin (Balaenoptera physalus) whales are the largest predators in the Southern Ocean, with similarities in morphology and distribution. Yet, understanding of their life history and foraging is limited due to current low abundances and limited ecological data. To address these gaps, historic Antarctic blue (n = 5) and fin (n = 5) whale baleen plates, collected in 1947–1948 and recently rediscovered in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, were analyzed for bulk (δ13C and δ15N) stable isotopes. Regular oscillations in isotopic ratios, interpreted as annual cycles, revealed that baleen plates contain approximately six years (14.35 ± 1.20 cm yr–1) of life history data in blue whales and four years (16.52 ± 1.86 cm yr–1) in fin whales. Isotopic results suggest that: 1) in the 1940's, blue and fin whales fed at the same trophic level but in slightly different habitats; 2) fin whales appear to have had more regular annual migrations; and 3) fin whales may have migrated to ecologically distinct sub-Antarctic waters annually while some blue whales may have resided year-round in the Southern Ocean. These results reveal differences in ecological niche and life history strategies between Antarctic blue and fin whales during a time period when their populations were more abundant than today, and before major human-driven climatic changes occurred in the Southern Ocean. The article is available for free here: https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.11376 Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Thank you, Malia E. K. Smith Ph.D. Candidate, Emslie Lab Department of Biology & Marine Biology University of North Carolina Wilmington Email: mes5874(a)uncw.edu

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New publication on bottlenose dolphin signature whistles
by Amber Fandel 06 May '24

06 May '24

Hello MARMAM, My co-authors are pleased to announce our recent publication investigating signature whistles in bottlenose dolphins. Fandel AD, Silva K, Bailey H (2024) Vocal signatures affected by population identity and environmental sound levels. PLoS ONE 19(4): e0299250. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0299250 Open access link to article: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0299250 Abstract: Passive acoustic monitoring has improved our understanding of vocalizing organisms in remote habitats and during all weather conditions. Many vocally active species are highly mobile, and their populations overlap. However, distinct vocalizations allow the tracking and discrimination of individuals or populations. Using signature whistles, the individually distinct calls of bottlenose dolphins, we calculated a minimum abundance of individuals, characterized and compared signature whistles from five locations, and determined reoccurrences of individuals throughout the Mid-Atlantic Bight and Chesapeake Bay, USA. We identified 1,888 signature whistles in which the duration, number of extrema, start, end, and minimum frequencies of signature whistles varied significantly by site. All characteristics of signature whistles were deemed important for determining from which site the whistle originated and due to the distinct signature whistle characteristics and lack of spatial mixing of the dolphins detected at the Offshore site, we suspect that these dolphins are of a different population than those at the Coastal and Bay sites. Signature whistles were also found to be shorter when sound levels were higher. Using only the passively recorded vocalizations of this marine top predator, we obtained information about its population and how it is affected by ambient sound levels, which will increase as offshore wind energy is developed. In this rapidly developing area, these calls offer critical management insights for this protected species. Best, Amber Fandel Research Analyst, Project Manager <info(a)ciaochowpets.com> adfandel(a)gmail.com

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