June 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Marine mammal research skills course - Langebaan, South Africa (Oct 2024)
by Simon Elwen 13 Jun '24

13 Jun '24

Dear colleagues. The Sea Search Research and Conservation team, will be running a marine mammal research tools field course this Sep and Oct in beautiful Langebaan, just 2 hours from Cape Town. Course1: 29 Sep – 13 Oct 2024 Course 2: 20 Oct-03 Nov 2024 *This TWO WEEK *course is targeted at students, postgraduates and early career scientists with a strong interest in a career in marine mammal research. The course will provide you with a sound knowledge of data collection methods, research tools and study design considerations with a strong focus on field skills and hands-on experience. This course covers: marine mammal survey design and associated spatial data analysis, camera skills and photo-identification, behavioural data collection and bioacoustic research methods from setting up a range of equipment to analysing sounds. The focus will be on cetaceans but the techniques are widely applicable to other taxa. The course will provide you with the knowledge to effectively set up and conduct a research study. Modules consist of a combination of lectures explain the motivation, theory and challenges of each method and then a strong field-based component to apply those methods, with students contributing to ongoing research projects on the endemic Heaviside's dolphin, feeding humpback whales and the African Bioacoustics Sound library (cetaceans, fish, birds etc) For more details see our website here: http://seasearch.co.za/services/training-education/ Note that the African BioAcoustics Conference (1-6th Sep) and the InternationalMarine Conservation Congress just after (13-18th Oct) will be held around the same time if you want to combine these events for a longer trip to the beautiful Cape. regards Dr Simon Elwen and Dr Tess Gridley ... .. -- --- -. / . .-.. .-- . -. Simon Elwen Ph.D. - Director Sea Search Research & Conservation <http://www.seasearch.co.za/> and the Namibian Dolphin Project <http://www.namibiandolphinproject.org/> Research Associate: Department of Zoology and Botany - Stellenbosch University Associate Fellow: Mammal Research Institute - University of Pretoria Office: +27 21 788 1206 Cell/Whatsapp: +27 71 139 5951

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New End. Sp. Res. Publication
by Kate Indeck 13 Jun '24

13 Jun '24

G'day all, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our new publication in Endangered Species Research, "Variation in glider-detected North Atlantic right, blue, and fin whale calls in proximity to high-traffic shipping lanes". Abstract: Passive acoustic monitoring has become an integral tool for determining the presence, distribution, and behavior of vocally active cetacean species. Acoustically equipped underwater gliders are becoming a routine monitoring platform, because they can cover large spatial scales during a single deployment and have the capability to relay data to shore in near real-time. Yet, more research is needed to determine what information can be derived from glider-recorded cetacean detections. Here, a Slocum glider that monitored continuously for low frequency (<1 kHz) baleen whale vocalizations was deployed across the Honguedo Strait and the associated traffic separation scheme in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada, during September and October 2019. We conducted a manual analysis of the archived audio to examine spatial and temporal variation in acoustic detection rates of North Atlantic right whales (NARWs), blue whales, and fin whales. Call detections of blue and fin whales demonstrated that both species were acoustically active throughout the deployment. Environmental association models suggested their preferential use of foraging areas along the southern slopes of the Laurentian Channel. Results also indicate that elevated background noise levels in the shipping lanes from vessel traffic only minimally influenced the likelihood of detecting blue whale acoustic presence, while they did not affect fin whale detectability. NARWs were definitively detected on less than 20% of deployment days, so only qualitative assessments of their presence were described. Nevertheless, detections of all 3 species highlight that their movements throughout this seasonally important region overlap with a high volume of vessel traffic, increasing their risk of ship strike. This article is Open Access at the following link: Inter Research » ESR » v54 » p191-217 (int-res.com)<https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v54/p191-217/> If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me! Cheers, Kate Katherine Indeck, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellow • Biological Sciences Mobile: (506) 653-7097 Office: Ganong Hall 224 Address: 100 Tucker Park Rd Saint John, New Brunswick Canada E2L 4L5 [University of New Brunswick] [Facebook]/uofnb<https://www.facebook.com/uofnb> [Twitter] @unb<https://twitter.com/UNB> [Instagram] @discoverunb<https://instagram.com/discoverunb/> UNB.ca<http://www.unb.ca/> Kate Indeck | Davies Lab<https://davieslab.wixsite.com/davieslab/copy-of-kim-davies> Katherine Indeck, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellow • Biological Sciences Mobile: (506) 653-7097 Office: Ganong Hall 224 Address: 100 Tucker Park Rd Saint John, New Brunswick Canada E2L 4L5 [University of New Brunswick] [Facebook]/uofnb<https://www.facebook.com/uofnb> [Twitter] @unb<https://twitter.com/UNB> [Instagram] @discoverunb<https://instagram.com/discoverunb/> UNB.ca<http://www.unb.ca/> Kate Indeck | Davies Lab<https://davieslab.wixsite.com/davieslab/copy-of-kim-davies>

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New publication: Distribution models of baleen whale species in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone to inform management and conservation.
by MIGUEL BLAZQUEZ HERVAS - RESEARCH 12 Jun '24

12 Jun '24

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share with you our new, open access, publication in Marine Environmental Research: Blázquez, M., Whooley, P., Massett, N., Keogh, H., O'Brien, J. M., Wenzel, F. W., O'Connor, I., and Berrow, S. D. (2024). Distribution models of baleen whale species in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone to inform management and conservation. Marine Environmental Research, 106569. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106569 Abstract: Irish waters are under increasing pressure from anthropogenic sources including the development of offshore renewable energy, vessel traffic and fishing activity. Spatial planning requires robust datasets on species distribution and the identification of important habitats to inform the planning process. Despite limited survey effort, long-term citizen science data on whale presence are available and provide an opportunity to fill information gaps. Using presence-only data as well as a variety of environmental variables, we constructed seasonal ensemble species distribution models based on five different algorithms for minke whales, fin whales, humpback whales, sei whales, and blue whales. The models predicted that the coastal waters off the south and west of Ireland are particularly suitable for minke, fin and humpback whales. Offshore waters in the Porcupine Seabight area were identified as a relevant habitat for fin whales, sei whales and blue whales. We combined model outputs with data on maritime traffic, fishing activity and offshore wind farms to measure the exposure of all the species to these pressures, identifying areas of concern. This study serves as a baseline for the species presence in Irish waters over the last two decades to help develop appropriate marine spatial plans in the future. Please, do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any question. Very kind regards, Miguel Blázquez Hervás PhD candidate Marine and Freshwater Research Centre Atlantic Technological University Galway, Ireland Miguel Blázquez Hervás - ATU Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (mfrc-atu.ie)<https://mfrc-atu.ie/meet-the-team/miguel-blazquez-hervas/> Funded under a Goverment of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Tá an ríomhphost seo faoi réir an tséanta seo leanas atá le fáil ag Séanadh Ríomhphost Ollscoil Teicneolaíochta an Atlantaigh<https://www.atu.ie/email-disclaimer> This e-mail is subject to the following disclaimer available at Atlantic TU Email Disclaimer<https://www.atu.ie/email-disclaimer>

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New publication on density and abundance estimates of dolphins and porpoises in the Black Sea
by Marian P 11 Jun '24

11 Jun '24

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of me and my co-authors I am pleased to announce the open-access publication of our paper: “Density and abundance estimates of cetaceans in the Black Sea through aerial surveys (ASI/CeNoBS)” DOI=10.3389/fmars.2024.1248950 This first synoptic, collaborative, and coordinated aerial survey for cetaceans in the Black Sea yielded comprehensive data and the first robust insights on abundance, distribution and density for all three cetacean species. Open access link to the paper: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2024.1248950/full?utm_so… By Paiu Romulus-Marian*, Cañadas Ana, Dede Ayhan, Meshkova Galina, Murariu Dumitru, Amaha Ozturk Ayaka, Popov Dimitar, Tonay Arda M., Timofte Costin, Kopaliani Natia, Gol’din Pavel* and* Panigada Simone Abstract: Population abundance is amongst the most basic and crucial parameters for the assessment of conservation status of any species. Three species of odontocetes, all represented by local subspecies, inhabit the Black Sea: the Black Sea common dolphin *Delphinus delphis ponticus,* the Black Sea bottlenose dolphin *Tursiops truncatus ponticus,* and the Black Sea harbour porpoise *Phocoena phocoena relicta*. Their populations are threatened by multiple factors, including overfishing of their prey, bycatch, pollution and epizootics. Despite this, there are no basin-wide estimates for any cetacean species in the Black Sea. In 2019, a systematic study was carried out under the EU CeNoBS project. Six strata were designed in the waters of Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Türkiye and Ukraine, covering most of territorial and offshore waters, which were surveyed between June 19 and July 4. A line transect distance sampling approach was used, following predefined transects within each stratum, achieving a 5% coverage of the surveyed area. A total of 7,344 kilometers of transects were surveyed recording a total of 1,744 cetacean sightings. Design-based abundance estimates were obtained using a Multiple Covariate Distance Sampling (MCDS) approach. Model-based abundance estimates were also derived using a Generalized Additive Models (GAM) approach, linking species sightings with a number of environmental covariates (e.g., bathymetric features, sea surface temperature, chlorophyll-a) over a grid of 10x10 km. The uncorrected (for perception and availability bias) estimates obtained through the model-based analysis were 108,283 (CV=0.07) common dolphins, 22,720 (CV=0.15) bottlenose dolphins and 93,808 (CV=0.06) harbour porpoises. These aerial surveys yielded the first insights on overall abundance, density and distribution, providing current regional baseline values and density maps for all three cetacean species of the Black Sea during the summer months, to be used for the elaboration of effective conservation measures and to address national and international requirements. Please reach out to romulus.marian(a)gmail.com with any questions! Cheers, Marian PAIU Mare Nostrum NGO www.marenostrum.ro

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New publication on feeding ecology of Iberian harbour porpoises
by Alberto Hernandez Gonzalez 11 Jun '24

11 Jun '24

Dear MARMAMers: My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our recent publication in Endangered Species Research: Hernandez-Gonzalez, A., Saavedra, C., Read, F.L., López, A., Gouveia, A., Covelo, P., Alonso-Fernández, A., Velasco, F., Santos, M.B., and Pierce, G.J. (2024) Feeding ecology of harbour porpoises /Phocoena phocoena/ stranded on the Galician coast (NW Spain) between 1990 and 2018. Endangered Species Research, 54: 105-122. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01328 Abstract: Diet studies on the endangered and genetically distinct Iberian population of the southern harbour porpoise /Phocoena phocoena/ are scarce. The present study provides updated information on the feeding ecology of this cetacean along the Galician coast (NW Spain) over the last 3 decades (1990-2018). The stomach contents of 72 stranded harbour porpoises were analysed to determine diet composition, to study which factors affect dietary variability and to estimate overlap between harbour porpoise diet and the target species of the fisheries in the study area, one of the most important fishing regions in Europe. Results showed that harbour porpoises are mainly piscivorous. We identified 33 prey taxa, but only 4 were important in the diet: fish of the genus /Trisopterus/, blue whiting /Micromesistius poutassou/, Atlantic horse mackerel /Trachurus trachurus/ and European hake /Merluccius merluccius/. Interannual and ontogenetic variability in the diet were statistically significant, although differences in diet between sexes or between seasons were not detected. The diet of harbour porpoises from the Galician coast shows a partial overlap with fisheries catches in the area in terms of commercial fish species (≈61%) and size classes (≈45%), confirming the potential vulnerability of the Iberian population to interactions with fishing activities (i.e. bycatch in fishing gear and/or reduced prey availability). Open Access link to the paper: https://www.int-res.com/articles/esr2024/54/n054p105.pdf Kind regards, -- *Alberto Hernández González - PhD* Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM-CSIC) | Institute of Marine Research (IIM-CSIC) Departamento de Ecología y Recursos Marinos | Department of Marine Ecology and Resources ✉ Dirección | Address : C/ Eduardo Cabello, 6. 36208 Vigo, Pontevedra (Spain) ☏ Teléfono | Phone : +34 986 23 19 30 @ Web : https://iim.csic.es/

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New paper relating dive duration to cardiovascular anatomy
by Rhea Storlund 10 Jun '24

10 Jun '24

Greetings MARMAM, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent, open-access, publication in Marine Mammal Science: Storlund, R. L., Rosen, D. A. S., & Trites, A. W. (2024). Pinnipeds with proportionally wider aortic bulbs make longer dives. Marine Mammal Science, e13145. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.13145 <https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.13145> Abstract: The enlarged size of the aortic bulb is thought to enhance the ability of marine mammals to remain underwater for extended periods. However, a convincing link between aortic bulb size and diving capacity has not been established. Using new and existing data, we examined the relationships between body size, maximum and routine dive duration, and aortic bulb size of pinnipeds. Comparisons among 7 species of pinnipeds showed that the diameter of the aortic bulb increases allometrically with body mass (aortic bulb diameter = 0.58 x body mass^0.41). We also found a linear relationship between routine dive duration and relative aortic bulb diameter (routine dive duration = 0.20 x relative aortic bulb diameter – 3.30), but no apparent relationship with maximum dive duration. Our results indicate that relative aortic bulb diameter influences diving capacity, providing further evidence that the aortic bulb is an adaptation to diving. Specifically, the relative diameter of the aortic bulb partially determines how long pinnipeds can routinely remain underwater. This has implications for the ability of different species of marine mammals to adapt to projected environmental changes and effectively forage or evade threats in altered habitats. Please get in touch if you have any questions. You can reach me at r.storlund(a)oceans.ubc.ca <mailto:r.storlund@oceans.ubc.ca>. Cheers, Rhea Rhea Storlund MSc (she, her, hers) PhD Candidate (Zoology) Marine Mammal Research Unit | Traditional xʷməθkʷəy̓əm Territory | The University of British Columbia | Vancouver Campus

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 10 Jun '24

10 Jun '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: Exploring habitat use and movement patterns of humpback whales in a reoccupation area off Brazil: A comparison with the Abrolhos Bank
by Maria Isabel Gonçalves 10 Jun '24

10 Jun '24

Dear colleagues, On behalf of all authors and myself, I would like to share our recent publication in Marine Mammal Science "Exploring habitat use and movement patterns of humpback whales in a reoccupation area off Brazil: A comparison with the Abrolhos Bank". Bianca M. Righi, Julio E. Baumgarten, Maria Emilia Morete, Rafaela C. F. Souza, Milton C. C. Marcondes, Renata S. Sousa-Lima, Niel N. Teixeira, Fernanda A. S. Tonolli, Maria Isabel C. Gonçalves (2024) Abstract: After the worldwide moratorium on whaling, humpback whale populations began to recover, reoccupying former areas of use, as also observed on the Brazilian coast. Abrolhos Bank represents the area of greatest humpback whale concentration but the number of individuals to the north has increased, as has happened in the region of Serra Grande. To compare relative abundance, habitat use, and movement patterns between a well-established breeding and a reoccupation area, visual monitoring from land-based stations was performed: 160 days in the Abrolhos Archipelago located on the Abrolhos Bank and 133 days in Serra Grande in 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2019. While relative abundance varied annually in the Abrolhos Archipelago, it gradually increased in Serra Grande, surpassing the number registered in Abrolhos in 2019. Group composition frequency was similar between areas except for mother and calf accompanied by one or more escorts, which were more frequent in Abrolhos. Despite similar movement speed and linearity values, whales in Serra Grande had a higher reorientation rate. Monitoring different areas occupied by this population supports decisions about spatial management of the Brazilian coast in relation to the implementation of anthropogenic activities, especially in areas where whales have recently returned to occupy. The article can be found in the following link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/mms.13139 Please feel free to contact us for further questions or to request a PDF copy at: b.machadorighi(a)hotmail.com or misabelcgoncalves(a)gmail.com Best regards, Maria Isabel Gonçalves [image: image.png]

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New note on dolphin-cormorant feeding associations
by Eric Angel Ramos 08 Jun '24

08 Jun '24

Greetings MARMAM! I am pleased to share our newest publication in the journal *Behaviour* titled: "Coastal dolphins provide foraging opportunities to benthic-feeding seabirds in a tropical seagrass ecosystem". Abstract In marine ecosystems, predators can affect community and ecosystem dynamics through a variety of processes such as foraging facilitation. Here, we report evidence of foraging facilitation between common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and double-crested cormorants (Nannopterum auritum) in the Caribbean seagrass-dominated atoll of Turneffe, Belize using aerial drone observations conducted in 2015-2017. While dolphins exhibited occasional aggressive behaviours toward the cormorants, the latter frequently followed dolphin movements, suggesting opportunistic pursuit of dolphins for prey access during dolphin bottom foraging activity. Our observations underscore the intricate ecological relationships among marine predators and highlight the need to quantify the mutual benefits and costs of such interactions as coastal ecosystems are rapidly changing. Ramos, E., Kiszka, J., Reiss, D., & Magnasco, M. (2024). Coastal dolphins provide foraging opportunities to benthic-feeding seabirds in a tropical seagrass ecosystem. *Behaviour*. https://doi.org/10.1163/1568539X-bja10269 If you would like a PDF copy or have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at eric.angel.ramos(a)gmail.com. Best regards, *Eric Angel Ramos, Ph.D.* Postdoctoral Research Fellow Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium E-mail: eric.angel.ramos(a)gmail.com ResearchGate <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eric_Ramos> | ORCiD <https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4803-3170> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-angel-ramos-aa9b4915/>

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New paper on gray whale growth and decreasing size in association with ocean climate indices
by Enrico Pirotta 07 Jun '24

07 Jun '24

Dear MARMAM colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the following paper is now available online: Enrico Pirotta and KC Bierlich, Leslie New, Lisa Hildebrand, Clara N. Bird, Alejandro Fernandez Ajó, Leigh G. Torres. Modeling individual growth reveals decreasing gray whale body length and correlations with ocean climate indices at multiple scales. Global Change Biology. Abstract: Changes in body size have been documented across taxa in response to human activities and climate change. Body size influences many aspects of an individual’s physiology, behaviour and ecology, ultimately affecting life history performance and resilience to stressors. In this study, we developed an analytical approach to model individual growth patterns using aerial imagery collected via drones, which can be used to investigate shifts in body size in a population and the associated drivers. We applied the method to a large morphological dataset of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) using a distinct foraging ground along the NE Pacific coast, and found that the asymptotic length of these whales has declined since around the year 2000 at an average rate of 0.05-0.12 m/y. The decline has been stronger in females, which are estimated to be now comparable in size to males, minimizing sexual dimorphism. We show that the decline in asymptotic length is correlated with two oceanographic metrics acting as proxies of habitat quality at different scales: the mean Pacific Decadal Oscillation index, and the mean ratio between upwelling intensity in a season and the number of relaxation events. These results suggest that the decline in gray whale body size may represent a plastic response to changing environmental conditions. Decreasing body size could have cascading effects on the population’s demography, ability to adjust to environmental changes, and ecological influence on the structure of their community. This finding adds to the mounting evidence that body size is shrinking in several marine populations in association with climate change and other anthropogenic stressors. Our modelling approach is broadly applicable across multiple systems where morphological data on megafauna are collected using drones. Keywords: baleen whales, Bayesian modelling, drones, morphology, Pacific Decadal Oscillation, photogrammetry, shrinking size, upwelling and relaxation. A PDF copy of the paper can be downloaded for free from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/gcb.17366 Please do not hesitate to contact us for any question regarding our work. Best Regards, Enrico Pirotta and KC Bierlich

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