July 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

TRAINING OPPORTUNITY IN THE CANARY ISLANDS WITH SECAC
by SECAC Cetaceans Research 09 Jul '24

09 Jul '24

*TRAINING OPPORTUNITY IN THE CANARY ISLANDS WITH SECAC* *Introduction to SECAC* The Society for the Study of the Cetaceans in the Canary Archipelago (SECAC) is a scientific NGO founded in 1993, dedicated to promoting research, conservation, and scientific dissemination of cetaceans. SECAC manages the Canary Islands Cetacean Research Centre (CICC) and the Biological Reference Collection of the Cetaceans of the Macaronesia (CBRCM), while Director Vidal Martín, with over 35 years of experience in cetacean research, has collaborated on national and international project. *Training program* SECAC offers a comprehensive training program for students or graduates in biology, veterinary science and related fields. Participants gain hands-on experience in cetacean research and conservation, working closely with experts in a unique setting. *Program highlights* - Educational courses: lectures on cetacean biology, ecology, and research methods, including field data collection, photo-identification, acoustic recording, and GIS. - Scientific expeditions: outings to the sea for monitoring cetacean populations using photo-ID, drones, and array hydrophone ( bioacoustics studies) , as part of the Canary Islands Sperm Whale project and CETOC program. - Stranding response: collection of biological data and samples from stranded cetaceans. - Laboratory work: preparation and cataloguing of osteological material, and conducting biological analyses such as studying stomach contents and parasites. *Language and location* The training is conducted in Spanish and English, depending on the work group. Activities take place at the Canary Islands Cetacean Research Centre (CICC) in Arrecife (Lanzarote) and at sea in the waters of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, part of the EU's Natura 2000 Network. *Subscribe* You can subscribe to this internship through the following link: https://www.cetaceos.org/intership-erasmus/. Additionally, if you are not a student or graduate but wish to volunteer, please check out our volunteer program here: https://www.cetaceos.org/volunteering/. *Contact* For more information, please visit our web page: http://www.cetaceos.org or feel free to email us at: secaclanzarote(a)gmail.com Best wishes, Francesca Fusar Poli Coordinator of SECAC -- *Society for the Study of Cetaceans in the Canary Islands (SECAC).* * CIF:G-38343497. Casa de los Arroyos, Avenida Coll 3, 35500 Arrecife (Las Palmas) Lanzarote, Islas Canarias.* * www.cetaceos.org <http://www.cetaceos.org> secaclanzarote(a)gmail.com <secaclanzarote(a)gmail.com> * * Phone number: +34 928607101 * *Este mensaje se dirige exclusivamente a su destinatario y puede contener información privilegiada o confidencial. Si no es usted el destinatario indicado, queda notificado de que la lectura, utilización, divulgación y/o copia sin autorización está prohibida en virtud de la legislación vigente. Si ha recibido este mensaje por error, le agradecemos que nos lo comunique por esta misma vía y proceda a su destrucción. El correo electrónico vía Internet no permite asegurar la confidencialidad de los mensajes que se transmiten ni su integridad o correcta recepción, por lo que la Sociedad para el Estudio de los Cetáceos en el Archipiélago Canario no asume ninguna responsabilidad por estas circunstancias. *

1 0

Internship Opportunities: Few Positions Still Available for Summer/Autumn/Winter 2024 - Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
by Beatriz Tintore 09 Jul '24

09 Jul '24

Join Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation in Marine Mammal Research internships in the Aegean Sea Greece - few positions still available for Summer/Autumn/Winter 2024 *Internship details:* Archipelagos’ marine mammal research internships provide an opportunity to join year-round field work on dedicated research vessels, offering experience collecting data on the bioacoustics, behaviour and photo-identification of seven marine mammal species. The Aegean Sea is one of the most important remaining marine biodiversity hotspots in the Mediterranean and Europe with important populations of 4 dolphin and 2 whale species, as well as the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. Archipelagos’ research is dedicated to addressing biodiversity abundance and distribution in this area and aims to enable efficient conservation action. By joining our team, you will be contributing to research devoted to the protection of marine life in the Mediterranean Sea. Few positions are still available for SUMMER, AUTUMN and WINTER placements on Samos Island (eastern Aegean Sea, Greece). This internship program is open to students, graduates, and researchers in marine, ecological, environmental sciences, or veterinary medicine. As part of our team, you can expect to gain skills and experience in: - Conducting boat surveys - Training on monitoring protocol and cetacean identification - Data analysis - Scientific writing - Photo-ID - Acoustic monitoring - Behavioural study of cetaceans - Seabirds identification - Sea turtle identification - Monitoring of the Mediterranean monk seal - Basic marine mammal first aid and necropsy Successful applicants must be able to work both independently and as part of a dynamic, multicultural, multidisciplinary team. During multi-day expeditions, the research team lives on the boat, so applicants must be able to live in tight quarters for several days at a time. Fluency in English is required, as well as motivation to live in a small island community with simple facilities. For more information, please go to: https://archipelago.gr/get-involved/placements-and-internships/marine-mamma… As a non-profit organization, Archipelagos cannot cover the living and working costs of interns. Therefore, all interns are required to pay placement fees of 245 euros per week for internships lasting three months or more. This fee covers accommodation, full board, use of equipment, research boats, and transport for work purposes. Please note that travel costs are not included and must be covered by the participant. Students and recent graduates are encouraged to seek possible funding through their universities by contacting the Finance, International Relations, Placement, or Erasmus+ Offices, or other relevant grant-providing organizations in their region. To apply: Please send your CV, motivation letter and one reference letter to admissions(a)archipelago.gr *Beatriz Tintoré* *Project Manager of the Marine Mammal and Terrestrial Research Department* *Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation* *Doctoral Researcher - Brunel University London*

1 0

Volunteers wanted for a Seal Rehabilitation Centre in the Scottish Highlands
by Clare Boardman 08 Jul '24

08 Jul '24

Caithness Seal Rehab & Release We are a small seal rehabilitation centre in the far north of Scotland. We officially started accepting seal pups in 2022 and have been inundated with pups ever since. We rescue, rehabilitate and release Grey Seal pups as well as Common Seal pups. We do have local volunteers but we are now accepting volunteers from abroad, who are looking to get experience working with seal pups. We do require some sort of experience working with and caring for wild animals but this is not a deciding factor. Location Brough, Caithness, Highlands, Scotland, KW14 8YE Travel Required You will need your own transport if local. Applicants from outside the UK must arrange their own transport to and from the rehabilitation centre. Please be aware that we can only take volunteers from abroad for 30 days only. Accommodation Provided In the summer (April to September) we do not have accommodation unless you have your own tent, motorhome or campervan, then you can stay on our campsite. In the winter October to March) we do have accommodation available. Its is a self catering twin room which you may have to share with another volunteer. You are responsible for buying your own groceries and preparing your own meals. Wi-Fi and washing facilities are available, as is the use of our kitchen for cooking. We supply all bedding and towels. Accommodation is not available for local volunteers. Salary No, volunteers only, unpaid. Start date – Immediately End date – 30/03/2025 (Depending on whether we still have seal pups in the hospital) We will accept applications from abroad for a minimum of one month. Local applicants, we will accept applications for a minimum of one month but would prefer the five month duration. There will be a shift pattern which will be worked out around the seal pups feeding times. Usually four shifts per day. Starting in the morning and into the late evening. Shifts tend to be between 1h30 mins to 2hrs30 mins. Depending on which shift and how many people are working together. You will be required to do as many shifts as necessary, per day, if staying on site. If local, at least three shifts a week. If you are unable to commit to regular shifts, please do not apply. You must be able bodied and be capable of doing all roles. The cleaning of pens does involve some heavy lifting and moving. If you are helping with feeding there will be a lot of bending down and kneeling. Waterproof trousers and jackets will be provided, but if you have your own that would be helpful. Wellies or appropriate closed in waterproof shoes to be worn. Jewellery that may get in the way of what you are doing must be kept to a minimum Role and Responsibilities Cleaning Pens - All permanent pens and mobile pens are to be disinfected every morning. Rubber mats are taken out and sprayed down, then put back. Towels to be taken out and put in the washer. Clean towels to be put in pens. Turn the washer on if the machine is full. Pen floors to be mopped with disinfectant solution. Pen partitions to be cleaned if required. Paddling pools to be emptied, cleaned, disinfected and refilled and put back in the pens. ICU unit floor (general area) and large pens in building two (general area) to be mopped thoroughly with disinfectant solution when all pens & feeding is finished. (Mop under counters & move the bins etc.) Food Preparation – Skinning and gutting fish (Training provided). Mixing milk formula, vitamins/minerals, cod liver oil. Washing all equipment and food prep areas after food preparation is finished. Cleaning the pool area – Hosing and cleaning down any mats, hosing down the pool area & picking up any fish remains. Helping Phil empty & fill the pool. Feeding – This will be done by experienced staff only. Wound Treatments, Medicine Administration and Taking Temperatures – This will be done by experienced staff only. Volunteers may get the opportunity to learn. Weighing pups – This will be done under supervision from an experienced staff member. General Duties – To keep all areas of the hospital clean, tidy and presentable. To keep all stored disinfectant containers etc. clean. Wipe down all splash-back boards, surfaces, cupboards, fridges etc. Filling & emptying the washing machine. Hanging out & bringing in towels. Emptying bins. This list of roles and responsibilities is not exhaustive and will be subject to change at any time. There may be more general duties as we get into the season. Personable requirements The applicant must have a passion for wildlife and its conservation. The applicant must be interested in learning about our seal pups. The applicant will be expected to get to know the pups, their personalities and how to look after them. This is hard work, it can be a long day when working numerous shifts. Your time and effort is important to the smooth running of the hospital. Please contact us by email: sealrehabrelease2022(a)hotmail.com<mailto:sealrehabrelease2022@hotmail.com> Our website address is www.caithness-seal-rehab-release.co.uk<http://www.caithness-seal-rehab-release.co.uk> Tel: 01847 851927 Company number: CS005915 Registered Charity number: SC052004

1 0

SMM2024 Marine Mammal Science Education Workshop
by Brijonnay Madrigal 08 Jul '24

08 Jul '24

Aloha MARMAM Community, We invite you to attend the workshop entitled, “SMMILE Toolbox: Building Inclusive Science Education Opportunities” which is focused on developing curriculum and sharing ideas for marine mammal educational opportunities for underrepresented youth (K-12). This full-day workshop will take place on Saturday, November 9th at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre in association with the upcoming 2024 Biennial Conference in the Biology of Marine Mammals in Perth, Australia (Nov 11-15, 2024). If you are interested in attending, please register at the pre-conference workshop webpage here <https://www.smmconference.org/>. See workshop description below: Science education is an excellent way to communicate science efforts, inspire the next generation of scientists and/or engage with the local community. In an effort to bridge the gap between laboratory-based science efforts and the local community, the Marine Mammal Research Program developed the Summer Marine Mammal Intensive Learning Experience (SMMILE). SMMILE is a 10-day immersive program which provides high school students from Hawaiʻi and American Samoa a unique opportunity to learn about marine mammal research, conservation, and marine protected areas within the framework of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) in Hawaiʻi. SMMILE was developed to increase representation of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in the field of marine mammal science. The purpose of this marine mammal education workshop will be to provide a “SMMILE toolbox” for scientists, professionals, and graduate students to implement programs in their community. During this workshop, we plan to discuss the following topics: curriculum development, incorporating TEK and place-based learning, funding, and advertising. Education program coordinators from around the world will be invited to present about their respective outreach and teaching opportunities to provide diverse examples of successful programs. Workshop coordinators and invited speakers will lead demonstrations of the hands-on activities included in their education programs. Ultimately, this workshop aims to provide attendees with opportunities to better integrate marine mammal outreach and educational opportunities within their communities. To view the workshop agenda, click HERE <https://www.mmrphawaii.org/smmile-smm-agenda>. For more information, please contact the workshop organizers, Brijonnay Madrigal (bcm2(a)hawaii.edu) and Kirby Parnell (keparnel(a)hawaii.edu) Mahalo! Brijonnay Madrigal & Kirby Parnell Marine Mammal Research Program, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa -- *Brijonnay Madrigal, *M.Sc. | she/her NOAA Dr. Nancy Foster Scholar Ph.D. Candidate, Marine Biology Graduate Program Marine Mammal Research Program University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa brijonnay.madrigal(a)noaa.gov

1 0

New Publication - Assessing the body condition of a threatened dolphin population in an anthropized area
by Deyverson Silva 08 Jul '24

08 Jul '24

We are happy to announce our new article about Guiana dolphins in Sepetiba Bay. It shows that most of the animals are in unhealthy body conditions. The data also show that the population was unhealthy before the outbreak of morbillivirus between November 2017 and March 2018. This may have increased the speed of infection in the population. Please find our open-access paper at the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/13/1887 [https://pub.mdpi-res.com/animals/animals-14-01887/article_deploy/html/image…]<https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/13/1887> Assessment of Body Condition in a Threatened Dolphin Population in an Anthropized Area in Southeastern Brazil<https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/13/1887> www.mdpi.com

1 0

New publication: Biogeographic patterns of Pacific white-sided dolphins based on long-term passive acoustic records
by Michaela Alksne 08 Jul '24

08 Jul '24

Dear MARMAM community, We are excited to share our recent publication in Diversity and Distributions: Alksne, M. N., Kok, A. C. M.,Agarwal, A., Frasier, K. E., & Baumann-Pickering, S. (2024).Biogeographic patterns of Pacific white-sided dolphins based on long-term passive acoustic records. *Diversity and Distributions*, 00, e13903. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13903 *Abstract:* *Aim: *This study investigates the biogeographic patterns of Pacific white-sided dolphins (*Lagenorhynchus obliquidens*) in the Eastern North Pacific based on long-term passive acoustic records. We aim to elucidate the ecological and behavioural significance of distinct echolocation click types and their implications for population delineation, geographic distribution, environmental adaptation and management. *Location:* Eastern North Pacific Ocean. *Time Period:* 2005–2021. *Major Taxa Studied:* Pacific white-sided dolphin. *Methods:* Over 50 cumulative years of passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) data from14 locations were analyzed using a deep neural network to classify two distinctPacific white-sided dolphin echolocation click types. The study assessed spatial, diel,seasonal and interannual patterns of the two click types, correlating them with major environmental drivers such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation and the North PacificGyre Oscillation, and modeling long-term spatial-seasonal patterns. *Results:* Distinct spatial, diel and seasonal patterns were observed for each click type.Significant biogeographical shifts in presence were observed following the 2014–2016 marine heatwave event. *Main Conclusions:* Distinct spatial distributions of the two click types support the hypothesis that Pacific white-sided dolphins produce population-specific echolo-cation clicks. Seasonal and diel patterns suggest spatio temporal niche partitioning between the populations in Southern California. Interannual changes, notably initi-ated during the 2014–2016 marine heatwave, indicate climate-driven range expansions and contractions related to gradual tropicalization of the Southern California Bight. The article is open access and available here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ddi.13903 Please reach out with any questions. Best, Michaela -- Michaela Alksne (she/her/hers) PhD Candidate NDSEG Fellow <https://ndseg.org/> Scripps Acoustic Ecology Lab <https://sael.ucsd.edu/> Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Ritter Hall 105

1 0

New publication: Use of acoustic signals in Cape fur seal mother-pup reunions: individual signature, signal propagation and pup home range
by Mathilde Martin 08 Jul '24

08 Jul '24

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of all authors, we are pleased to announce our recent publication in Journal of Experimental Biology: Martin M, Gridley T, Immez A, Elwen S, Charrier I (2024). *Use of acoustic signals in Cape fur seal mother-pup reunions: individual signature, signal propagation and pup home range*. /Journal of Experimental Biology/ 227 (13): jeb246917. https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.246917 ABSTRACT: The Cape fur seal (/Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus/) is one of the most colonial mammals, with colonies of up to hundreds of thousands of individuals during the breeding season. During the lactation period, mothers and pups are regularly separated as females undertake multi-day foraging trips at sea. Mothers and pups use a mutual vocal recognition system to reunite after separation. Such communication is highly constrained by both high background noise and risk of individual confusion owing to the density of seals. This study aimed to experimentally assess the acoustic features relevant for mother–pup vocal identification and the propagation properties of their calls. Playback experiments revealed that mother and pup individual vocal signatures rely on both temporal and frequency parameters: amplitude and frequency modulations, timbre and fundamental frequency (/f/_0 ). This is more parameters than in any colonial species studied so far. The combinational use of acoustic features reinforces the concept that both environmental and social constraints may have acted as selective pressures on the individual vocal recognition systems. Theoretical propagation distances of mother and pup vocalisations were estimated to be below the range of distances at which mother–pup reunions can occur. This suggests that Cape fur seals may have strong abilities to extract vocal signals from the background noise, as previously demonstrated in the highly colonial king penguin. Investigating the transmission of information throughout the propagation of the signal as well as the ability of the receiving individual to decipher vocal signatures is crucial to understanding vocal recognition systems in the wild. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Best regards, - - *Mathilde Martin, PhD* Postdoctoral researcher Communication and Cognition in Social Mammals research group Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies University of Zurich https://www.ieu.uzh.ch/en/research/behaviour/cognition.html <https://www.ieu.uzh.ch/en/research/behaviour/cognition.html> BLOCKEDmathildemartin-research[.]comBLOCKED <BLOCKEDmathildemartin-research[.]comBLOCKED>

1 0

New Publication: Foraging dives of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) in relation to larger zooplankton size prey availability in Golfo Nuevo, Península Valdés, Argentina
by Valeria D'Agostino 08 Jul '24

08 Jul '24

Dear MARMAM Community, My co-authors and I are excited to share our new publication in Scientific Reports titled "Foraging dives of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) in relation to larger zooplankton size prey availability in Golfo Nuevo, Península Valdés, Argentina." D’Agostino, V.C., Nocera, A.C., Abernathy, K., Muñoz Wilson, A., Coscarella, M.A., Degrati, M. Foraging dives of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) in relation to larger zooplankton size prey availability in Golfo Nuevo, Península Valdés, Argentina. Sci Rep 14, 14211 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-63879-y Abstract: Southern right whales (SRWs, Eubalaena australis) have been observed feeding both at and below the surface (< 10 m) in Golfo Nuevo (42°42′ S, 64°30′ W), Península Valdés, Argentina, an area traditionally recognized as calving ground. In addition, we documented diving feeding behavior in SRWs during their stay in this gulf, which has not been previously described. We assessed this behavior using suction-cup-attached video-imaging tags (CRITTERCAMs) on individual whales. A total of eight CRITTERCAM deployments were successful, and feeding events were documented in all SRWs successfully equipped with CRITTERCAMs. The highest speeds occurred during the ascent phase, and the average diving time was 6 min 45 s ± 3 min 41 s for SRWs. Concurrently, zooplankton samples were collected from the subsurface and bottom of the water in areas where tagged whales dived to assess differences in composition, abundance, and biomass. Copepods dominated the upper layer, while euphausiids were more abundant in the deeper sample. Furthermore, zooplankton total biomass was five times higher at depth (2515.93 mg/m³) compared to the subsurface (500.35 mg/m³). Differences in zooplankton characteristics between depths, combined with CRITTERCAM videos, indicated that SRWs exploit high concentrations of organisms near the seafloor during daytime feeding dives. This study provides baseline insights into how SRWs utilize Península Valdés during their stay in the area. The article is open access and available here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-63879-y#citeas Please reach out with any questions. Cheers, Valeria (dagostino(a)cenpat-conicet.gob.ar) -- Dra. Valeria C. D'Agostino Investigadora - Laboratorio de Mamíferos Marinos Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR-CONICET) Blvd. Brown 2915, U9120ACD Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina. Tel: (54-280) 4883184 - int. 1247 www.lamama.com.ar *CONICET* <https://www.conicet.gov.ar/new_scp/detalle.php?id=46111&keywords=Valeria%2B…> // *Google* <https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=7l-3q_8AAAAJ&hl=es> *Scholar* <https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=7l-3q_8AAAAJ&hl=es> "Lo que sabemos es una gota de agua; lo que ignoramos es el océano" - *Isaac Newton*

1 0

Seeking Collaborators for Mesoplodon peruvianus Research (Blakely Harwell)
by Blakely Harwell 07 Jul '24

07 Jul '24

My name is Blakely Harwell, and I have been researching Mesoplodon peruvianus (Pygmy Beaked Whale) to submit a Mammalian Species Account to the American Society of Mammalogists for publication. I have been working on this account for two years, during which I have compiled data from 14 sources and drafted a preliminary manuscript. I have located a specimen (skull) at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, and am in the process of getting the rights to use footage captured this year of M. peruvianus. At this stage, I am in search of collaborators with field experience with whales, particularly those with expertise in M. peruvianus. Your insights and experience would be extremely beneficial in ensuring the completeness of this account. If you have relevant experience and are interested in contributing to this Mammalian Species Account, please contact me at: blakelykate13(a)gmail.com. I would be happy to provide more details about my research and discuss how we can collaborate. Thank you for your time and consideration.

1 0

New Publication: Drone-based photogrammetry reveals differences in humpback whale body condition and mass across North Atlantic foraging grounds
by Chelsi Napoli 06 Jul '24

06 Jul '24

Hello MARMAM community, My coauthors and I are pleased to share the recent publication of our new article "Drone-based photogrammetry reveals differences in humpback whale body condition and mass across North Atlantic foraging grounds" published in Frontiers in Marine Science. Napoli C, Hirtle N, Stepanuk J, Christiansen F, Heywood EI, Grove TJ, Stoller A, Dodds F, Glarou M, Rasmussen MH, Lonati GL, Davies KTA, Videsen S, Simon MJ, Boye TK, Zoidis A, Todd SK and Thorne LH (2024) Drone-based photogrammetry reveals differences in humpback whale body condition and mass across North Atlantic foraging grounds. Front. Mar. Sci. 11:1336455. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2024.1336455 Abstract: Baleen whales are key consumers in marine ecosystems and can serve as ecosystem sentinels. Body condition, defined as an individual’s energy stores relative to its structural size, can provide a useful proxy for health in baleen whales. As capital breeders, important life history events in baleen whales such as seasonal migrations and reproduction depend on having sufficient energy stores. Spatiotemporal variability of body condition of baleen whales can reflect differences in energy accumulated during the foraging season. Here we assess and compare the body condition and mass of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) across four different foraging areas from the West Indies distinct population segment in the Northwest Atlantic. Morphometric measurements of humpback whales were obtained using unoccupied aerial systems (UAS, or drones) from the New York Bight, the Gulf of Maine, Iceland, and Greenland. Uncertainty in morphometric estimates was incorporated and propagated using a bootstrapping approach. Measurements were used to estimate body volume and calculate a body condition index (BCI) for each individual whale. Since body mass is a key parameter for understanding animal physiology and bioenergetics, we further compared whale body mass to body size between foraging areas by converting body volume to body mass using estimates of tissue density from tagging studies. BCI showed significant differences between foraging areas with a large effect size (ANCOVA: mean η2 = 0.168; all p< 0.001) when incorporating day of year and year as covariates. Humpback whales in the Gulf of Maine showed significantly higher BCI than those in the New York Bight, Iceland, and Greenland. Standardized Major Axis (SMA) regressions comparing log-log relationships of both body volume and body mass, respectively, to total length reinforced these results. Humpback whales in the Gulf of Maine showed significantly higher elevation in the SMAs than those in the other study regions (p<0.001), implying that humpback whales foraging in the Gulf of Maine accumulated greater energy reserves for a given body size. Estimates of body mass indicate that for a given body length, humpback whales in the Gulf of Maine have an 18% greater body mass than those in the New York Bight, Iceland, or Greenland. Regional differences in prey availability or anthropogenic threats could contribute to the observed patterns in body condition. Our findings highlight the importance of regional environmental factors to the nutritional health of baleen whales. The article is available here: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.… Best, Chelsi Napoli Ph.D. Candidate Stony Brook University Department of Ecology and Evolution | Thorne Lab chelsi.napoli(a)stonybrook.edu | pronouns: she/her

1 0