August 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

new publication: static netters fishing trajectories with high resolution data and their evolution in the Bay of Biscay
by Hélène Peltier 28 Aug '24

28 Aug '24

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to share with you a new open access article which proposed method for identifying fishing trajectories of gillnetters in the Bay of Biscay (NE Atlantic), explore their possible changes since 2015 and their potential impact on the recent increase of common dolphin bycatch. /Jade Paillé, Corentin Vignard, Matthieu Authier, Emeric Bidenbach, Camille Deslias, Stéphanie Tachoires, Hélène Peltier,2024. Identification of static netters fishing trajectories with high resolution data and their evolution in the Bay of Biscay since 2015: Potential implications for short-beaked common dolphin bycatch,Fisheries Research,Volume 278,107119,ISSN 0165-7836,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2024.107119.(https://www.scienc… / Abstract Since winter 2016, an increase in strandings of small cetaceans has been recorded along the French Atlantic seaboard. This mortality, which concerns mostly the short-beaked common dolphin (/Delphinus delphis/), is mainly due to bycatch in fishing gears. Highly vulnerable towards this issue, this protected species is more and more threatened in the Bay of Biscay. Fine scale knowledge on fisheries practices, which are ever evolving, is paramount to address the bycatch issue. The objective of this study was to identify the individual trajectories of static netters flying the French flag and to highlight possible changes in their practices between 2015 and 2019, during the winter period. An analysis of AIS data from vessels over 15 m of length, using a clustering method (HCPC), enabled us to define a typology of the static net fishery trajectories. The possible main trajectories of static netters flying the French flag were identified. Among these, one trajectory was linear with a constant navigation path and was used by offshore gillnetters targeting hake. This trajectory increased in frequency between 2015 and 2017. This study improves knowledge on practices of passive fishing gears that present a risk of short-beaked common dolphin bycatch such as gillnets and trammel nets in the Bay of Biscay. Further analysis of AIS data from other years and fishing fleets, adding environmental data or even dolphin distribution, are needed for a full understanding of the bycatch issue and towards the implementation of efficient mitigation measures. Best wishes, Jade Paillé (jade.paille(a)ofb.gouv.fr) and Helene Peltier -- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ J'ai envoyé ce mail à une heure pratique pour moi. Je n'attends pas de réponse en dehors de vos heures de travail habituelles. I have sent this email at a time that is convenient for me. I do not expect you to respond to it outside of your own usual working hours. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *Hélène Peltier *- PhD Observatoire PELAGIS – UAR 3462 La Rochelle Université - CNRS Pôle Analytique 5, Allées de l'Océan 17000 La Rochelle, FRANCE St: 05 46 44 99 10 LD: 05 46 50 76 83https://www.observatoire-pelagis.cnrs.fr/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "S'il n'y a pas de solution, c'est qu'il n'y a pas de problème" proverbe Shadockien.

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New Publication: Contemporary sightings of eastern North Pacific right whales, 2006 to 2023
by Amy Kennedy - NOAA Affiliate 27 Aug '24

27 Aug '24

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to share our new open access publication: Crance, J., & Kennedy, A. (2024). Contemporary sightings of eastern North Pacific right whales, 2006 to 2023. *Endangered Species Research*, *54*, 427–441. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01349 Abstract: North Pacific right whales Eubalaena japonica once numbered in the 10s of 1000s. Today, the eastern population is one of the most endangered large whale stocks in the world. A lack of dedicated surveys and a population of animals in the 10s have resulted in considerable knowledge gaps. Here, we collate all contemporary sightings of eastern North Pacific right whales (ENPRWs) from 2006 through 2023 to investigate possible migratory routes and elucidate important habitat. Sightings in the northern Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska, and along the west coast of North America have increased. Of the 99 sightings recorded between 2006 and 2023, 58 occurred during the few dedicated ENPRW surveys with simultaneous aerial and vessel platforms. All animals sighted were non-calves. Opportunistic sightings along the California coast were only reported in spring months (February-May). While this timing would coincide with a northward migration from lower latitudes, poor photo quality prevented matching of these animals, making it difficult to determine migratory patterns. Furthermore, there have been no sightings in Hawai’i or Mexico since 1996, and no sightings in the eastern North Pacific off the continental shelf since the 1970s. To date, only 2 animals have been photographically matched from Alaska to more southerly latitudes, and there have been no photographic matches between the Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska. Feeding has been observed throughout their range, suggesting right whales opportunistically feed whenever possible. While their primary migratory destinations remain unknown, these recent sightings provide insight into important ENPRW habitat in Alaska. Cheers, Jessica Crance (jessica.crance(a)noaa.gov) and Amy Kennedy ( amy.kennedy(a)noaa.gov) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Amy S. Kennedy, Ph.D. Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies (CICOES). University of Washington & Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98115-6349, USA

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JNCC-recognised MMO course (remote delivery) + online PSO course
by Carolyn Barton 27 Aug '24

27 Aug '24

Spaces are available on a JNCC-recognised MMO course for UK waters on 16th and 17th September 2024, remote delivery by Zoom. The course is taught by an instructor with over 25 years' experience of training MMOs, working as an MMO, analysing MMO data and being involved with the development of JNCC guidelines. The course will cover all the information needed for work as a Marine Mammal Observer in UK waters: 1) Impacts of noise on marine mammals 2) Introduction to activities that require mitigation 3) Legislation protecting marine mammals and marine licensing 4) Detailed examination of the JNCC guidelines for geophysical surveys, pile driving and explosives 5) Data recording and reporting requirements 6) Visual monitoring and distance estimation 7) Overview of passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) 8) Working as an MMO/ PAM operator 9) Identification of marine mammals Zoom sessions will be a mixture of lectures and exercises, over 1.5 days. There is also an online multiple choice exam to be done at your convenience after the Zoom sessions (re-sits are possible if you don't pass first time). Each delegate gets individual feedback on their exercises and the exam. On successful completion of the course you will receive JNCC-recognised certification, which is required for work as an MMO in UK waters. The cost of the MMO course is £150 (150GBP), which includes a comprehensive resource pack and ongoing support available after the course. Also available is an online, self-navigated PSO course, for Protected Species Observers working in offshore waters of the US Gulf of Mexico and US Atlantic on activities such as geophysical surveys and offshore wind energy developments. Topics include: 1) Marine mammals and sea turtles, their biology and threats to populations 2) Sound in the seas and the impact of noise on marine mammals 3) US legislation protecting marine mammals and sea turtles 4) Activities requiring mitigation 5) Geophysical survey mitigation 6) Vessel strike avoidance 7) Explosive removal of structures 8) Offshore wind energy developments and mitigation 9) Visual monitoring and distance estimation 10) Introduction to passive acoustic monitoring 11) Working as a PSO 12) Life at sea 13) Identification of marine mammals and sea turtles 14) Final assessment The cost of the PSO course is £180 (180GBP). On successful completion of the course you will receive PSO certification, which is required as part of the approval process for work as a PSO in US waters. For further details and for a registration form for either course see www.carolynbarton.co.uk or e-mail info(a)carolynbarton.co.uk . ReplyForward Add reaction

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New publication: Solitary humpback whales manufacture bubble-nets as tools to increase prey intake
by Andy Szabo 27 Aug '24

27 Aug '24

Dear MARMAM, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new publication titled: Solitary humpback whales manufacture bubble-nets as tools to increase prey intake. Szabo, A., L. Bejder, H. Warick, M. van Aswegen, A. S. Friedlaender, J. Goldbogen, J. M. Kendall-Bar, E. M. Leunissen, M. Angot, and W. T. Gough. "Solitary humpback whales manufacture bubble-nets as tools to increase prey intake." Royal Society Open Science 11, no. 8 (2024): 240328. https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.240328 <https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.240328> Abstract: Several animal species use tools for foraging; however, very few manufacture and/or modify those tools. Humpback whales, which manufacture bubble-net tools while foraging, are among these rare species. Using animal-borne tag and unoccupied aerial system technologies, we examine bubble-nets manufactured by solitary humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Southeast Alaska while feeding on krill. We demonstrate that the nets consist of internally tangential rings and suggest that whales actively control the number of rings in a net, net size and depth and the horizontal spacing between neighbouring bubbles. We argue that whales regulate these net structural elements to increase per-lunge prey intake by, on average, sevenfold. We measured breath rate and swimming and lunge kinematics to show that the resulting increase in prey density does not increase energetic expenditure. Our results provide a novel insight into how bubble-net tools manufactured by solitary foraging humpback whales act to increase foraging efficiency. Regards, Andy Szabo, PhD Director, Alaska Whale Foundation szabo(a)alaskawhalefoundation.org <mailto:szabo@alaskawhalefoundation.org> www.alaskawhalefoundation.org <http://www.alaskawhalefoundation.org/>

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New Publication: Use and prevalence of novel bubble-net foraging strategy in Western Antarctic humpback whales
by Jennifer Allen 26 Aug '24

26 Aug '24

Dear MARMAM, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the following publication: Jenny A. Allen, Ross C. Nichols, Logan J. Pallin, David W Johnston, & Ari S Friedlaender. 2024. Use and prevalence of novel bubble-net foraging strategy in Western Antarctic humpback whales. Marine Ecology Progress Series 743:97-111. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14654 Abstract: The innovation of new foraging strategies allows species to optimize their foraging in response to changing conditions. Humpback whales provide a good study species for this concept, as they utilize multiple novel foraging tactics across populations in diverse environments. Bubble-net feeding (BNF), commonly seen in the Northern Hemisphere, has emerged as a foraging innovation in the past 20 years within the Western Antarctic Peninsula. Using sightings data from 2015-2023, we found that BNF was present in every study year, with an annual average of 30% of foraging sightings. This data was supplemented with 26 animal-born tags deployed over the same study period. Of these tags, 12 detected instances of BNF, with BNF making up an average of 19% of the foraging lunges detected. There were seasonal trends in BNF sightings, as it was observed significantly more often at the beginning of the feeding season (January) before declining. BNF group sizes (mean: 3.41) were significantly larger than non-BNF surface feeding groups (mean: 2.21). This observation is consistent with BNF in the Northern Hemisphere, which also appears to primarily be a group foraging strategy. The seasonal pattern and relatively recent emergence of BNF suggests that its use is likely tied to specific environmental conditions, which should be investigated by comparing BNF with variables such as prey density and light availability. The social transmission of novel foraging strategies across other populations further suggests that the prevalence of this strategy likely occurs through social learning. The paper is available via the following link: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14654 Alternatively, you can email me on jallen10(a)ucsc.edu for a pdf copy. Best regards, Jenny Allen Dr Jenny Allen (she/her) Postdoctoral Research Fellow NSF Office of Polar Programs Bio-Telemetry and Behavioral Ecology Lab (BTBEL) Department of Ocean Sciences The University of California, Santa Cruz E: jallen10(a)ucsc.edu<mailto:jallen10@ucsc.edu> US M: +1 508 281 1813 Aus M: +61 (0)424 773 994 [cid:7afa0116-8f22-439d-8f37-3005cfbee6cd] [REU SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS JUNE 13 - AUGUST 12, 2022 - Home]

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Scholarships Available! Join Our Graduate Program in Integrative Biology in Mexico!
by Eduardo Morteo 26 Aug '24

26 Aug '24

Dear Colleagues and Students, The Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas at the Universidad Veracruzana (https://www.uv.mx/iib/) is excited to announce scholarship-supported opportunities for our highly-regarded graduate programs in Integrative Biology, which is recommended for students passionate about Marine Sciences and Marine Mammalogy. Programs Available: 1. Doctorate in Integrative Biology (https://www.uv.mx/dbi/) 2. Master’s in Integrative Biology (https://www.uv.mx/mbi/) Application Period: August 22, 2024 - September 23, 2024 Start Date: February 2025 Financial Support: We are pleased to offer scholarships provided by CONAHCyT (National Council for Humanism, Science and Technology): - PhD Scholarship: $19,803 MXN (approximately $1,109 USD) per month. - MSc Scholarship: $14,852 MXN (approximately $831 USD) per month. Research Areas Include: - Ethology, Health, and Well-being - Conservation and Ecological Interactions - Philosophy and Ecopedagogy of Integrative Biology Why Choose Us? Our programs are designed to provide comprehensive training and research opportunities in the latest areas of biological sciences, with a focus on real-world applications in marine sciences and mammalogy. Our distinguished faculty and state-of-the-art facilities offer an unparalleled environment for academic and professional growth. How to Apply: Visit our application portal for more details and registration: [Graduate Programs Application Portal](https://www.uv.mx/escolar/posgrado2024-ll/) This is an incredible opportunity to advance your academic career in biological sciences. We encourage all interested candidates to apply and take advantage of these scholarship opportunities. Please share this information with anyone who might be interested. For Further Inquiries: - Dr. Tania Romo González de la Parra, Program Coordinator - Email: tromogonzalez(a)uv.mx - Beatriz Adriana Barrios García, Administrative Assistant - Email: coordinacionpbi(a)uv.mx Stay Connected: Follow our Facebook page: [Posgrado Biología Integrativa](https://www.facebook.com/PosgradoBiologiaIntegrativa) Location: Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Av. Dr. Luis Castelazo Ayala S/N, Edificio K, Piso 1, Col. Industrial Ánimas, C.P. 91190, Xalapa, Veracruz, México Phone: +52 (228) 842-1700, Ext. 13422 Best regards, Dr. Eduardo Morteo Director Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Universidad Veracruzana Calle Dr. Castelazo Ayala S/N, Col. Industrial Ánimas CP 91190, Xalapa, Veracruz, México. Ph/Tel: +52 (228) 841 89 00 E-mail: emorteo(a)uv.mx http://www.uv.mx/personal/emorteo/ http://uv-mx.academia.edu/EMorteo https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eduardo_Morteo/?ev=hdr_xprf http://scholar.google.com.mx/citations?user=fDUl-IIAAAAJ

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Job position at Morigenos, Slovenia
by Tilen Genov 26 Aug '24

26 Aug '24

Dear MARMAMers We are looking for a research scientist to join our team at Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society, Piran, Slovenia (www.morigenos.org/en) The successful applicant will help carry out our long-term research programme on the ecology, behaviour and conservation of cetaceans, particularly common bottlenose dolphins in the northern Adriatic Sea. We currently focus on a number of research topics, including population abundance and trends, social structure and behaviour, feeding ecology, acoustic behaviour, passive acoustic monitoring, underwater noise, use of drones, fishery interactions and eDNA, among others. We are seeking someone who can contribute their own research to support our research and conservation goals. While a background in some of the topics listed above is preferred, we welcome applicants with expertise in a broad range of ecological disciplines. This position includes both field work and desk-based analytical work. This is a full-time position (40 hours per week, 100%) for a fixed term of 28 months (with a possibility of extension), with a 3-month probationary period, starting approximately on October 1st, 2024. The workplace is in Piran, Slovenia. Duties include: - Scientific research in cetacean biology, ecology, and conservation - Fieldwork and/or laboratory work, data analysis, maintenance of research equipment, record-keeping, and database management - Authoring and co-authoring scientific articles conference and other contributions, preparing materials, writing funding applications, participating in work meetings - Work on an Interreg project - Participating in educational activities as needed - Performing other related tasks as well as contribute to broader organizational efforts Requirements: - Master’s degree or PhD in biology, biochemistry, environmental protection, or related sciences - Good knowledge of English (working language is English) - Good knowledge of basic computer programs and environments (MS Word, Excel, internet, etc.) - Ability to work in a team - Ability to work independently - Precision, responsibility, reliability Additional preferred qualifications (not essential, but highly welcome): - Boat license - Diving qualification - Knowledge of advanced software tools for data processing (e.g., R, Python, Matlab) - Knowledge of geographic information systems (e.g., QGIS) - Experience with unmanned aerial vehicles ("drones") - Previous experience in one or more of the following fields: marine biology, animal ecology, molecular biology, bioacoustics - Knowledge of Slovenian or Italian Please send your CV and cover letter to morigenos(a)morigenos.org by August 31 st, 2024. Cheers, Tilen Genov ______________________________________________________________________ Tilen Genov, PhD Assistant Professor | Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society <http://www.morigenos.org/en> | | Department of Biodiversity, FAMNIT, University of Primorska <http://www.famnit.upr.si> | | Consortium for the Conservation of the Atlantic Humpback Dolphin <http://www.sousateuszii.org> | | IUCN Cetacean Specialist Group <https://iucn-csg.org/> | | X/twitter: @TilenGenov <https://twitter.com/TilenGenov> | @Morigenos_org <https://twitter.com/Morigenos_org> | @sousateuszii <https://twitter.com/sousateuszii> | @IUCNCetaceanSG <https://twitter.com/IUCNCetaceanSG> |

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New publication: Serological Investigation for Brucella ceti in Cetaceans from the Northwestern Mediterranean Sea (L. Martino)
by Laura 25 Aug '24

25 Aug '24

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new open access publication titled 'Serological Investigation for Brucella ceti in Cetaceans from the Northwestern Mediterranean Sea', in the journal Animals. Martino, L.; Cuvertoret-Sanz, M.; Wilkinson, S.; Allepuz, A.; Perlas, A.; Ganges, L.; Pérez, L.; Domingo, M. Serological Investigation for Brucella ceti in Cetaceans from the Northwestern Mediterranean Sea. Animals 2024, 14, 2417. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14162417 Abstract: Neurobrucellosis in cetaceans, caused by Brucella ceti, is a relevant cause of death in striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from the Mediterranean Sea. Serological tests are not used as a routinary technique for the diagnosis of this infection. We briefly describe the pathological findings of nine free-ranging stranded cetaceans diagnosed with Brucella disease or infection in our veterinary necropsy service from 2012 to 2022. The findings included focal diskospondylitis and non-suppurative meningitis, choroiditis and radiculitis. Additionally, an exploratory serological study was conducted in sixty-six frozen sera collected in the period 2012–2022 from fifty-seven striped dolphins, five Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus), two common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), one common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and one pilot whale (Globicephala melas) to compare antibody levels in Brucella-infected (n = 8) and non-infected (n = 58) animals, classified by the cause of death, sex, age class and cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) infection status. The authors hypothesized that active infection in cases of neurobrucellosis would elicit a stronger, detectable humoral response compared to subclinical infections. We performed a commercial competition ELISA (cELISA) using serial serum dilutions for each sample, considering a percentage of inhibition (PI) of ≥40% as positive. A titer of 1:160 was arbitrarily determined as the seropositivity threshold. Seropositive species included striped dolphins and Risso’s dolphins. Seroprevalence was higher in animals with neurobrucellosis (87.5%) compared to the overall seroprevalence (31.8%) and to other causes of death, indicating, likely, a high sensitivity but low specificity for neurobrucellosis. Animals with chronic CeMV seemed to have higher seroprevalences, as well as juveniles, which also had a higher disease prevalence. These results indicate, as in other studies, that antibodies are not decisive against clinical brucellosis, although they may indicate a carrier state, and that CeMV may influence Brucella epidemiology. More research is required to elucidate the epidemiology and pathogenesis and to resolve the complicated host–pathogen interaction in Brucella species. Best regards, Laura Martino Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

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International Save the Vaquita Day 2024
by Thomas Jefferson 24 Aug '24

24 Aug '24

Dear MARMAMers, The vaquita is theworld’s most endangered marine mammal, with an estimated 10-12 individualssurviving. Rememberthat International Save the Vaquita Day 2024 is on Saturday, 7 September,starting at 9 am (Pacific). It will be avirtual event, with a half-day live-stream of informative talks and videocontent. Some in-person booths will alsobe held at various venues in the US. Seehttps://vivavaquita.org/international-save-the-vaquita-day/for the schedule of talks and more details; check back frequently for updates. Please join us on Saturday, 7 September, to learn the latest about what you can do to prevent extinction. We appreciate your help in working to savethe vaquita from extinction! Best wishes, Tom Jefferson Director, VIVA Vaquita

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New publication: "Brain injuries and cetacean strandings: A lot of food for evidence-based thoughts"
by Yara Bernaldo de Quirós Miranda 24 Aug '24

24 Aug '24

Dear MARMAM Community, We want to share an e-letter titled “*Brain injuries and cetacean strandings: A lot of food for evidence-based thoughts*” in response to “ A Big Bang Theory of Big Brain Trauma” by Terrie Williams. *The e-letter can be read at the end of the article*: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adp9363. In this e-letter, we first acknowledge and share the concern about the impact that human-generated acoustic activities may have on the health and welfare of cetaceans while explaining that cetacean strandings are not uniform and vary significantly depending on the species, circumstances, and causes (many of which are unknown). We highlight the significant progress made by the scientific community—including international multidisciplinary research groups and laboratories, as well as veterinary pathologists—in determining the cause of deaths and/or strandings, including the study of the dolphin and whale brains. We conclude that adopting a broad, multidisciplinary 'One Health' perspective is crucial for understanding why cetacean mass strandings occur. Finally, we welcome new hypotheses for mass strandings. However, they should be proposed with an awareness of the historical context and current state of the art in strandings and related pathologies. Kind regards, *Antonio Fernández*, Full Professor. Histology and Veterinary Pathology. DVM, PhD, DECVP, DEFVP, DECZM (Wildlife Health), EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary Pathology Head of WOAH Collaborating Centre on Marine Mammal Health Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. *Yara Bernaldo de Quirós*, Assistant Professor, PhD Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. *Giovanni Di Guardo*, Former Professor of General Pathology and Veterinary Pathophysiology. Veterinary Medical Faculty, University of Teramo.

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