August 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute North Atlantic Right Whale Aerial Observer Job Announcement
by Melanie White 14 Aug '24

14 Aug '24

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute North Atlantic Right Whale Aerial Observer Job Announcement Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI), a non-profit research and conservation organization, is seeking temporary seasonal right whale aerial observers ranging from November 2024 through April 2025. These positions are in anticipation of research activities to be conducted in the southeastern United States, contingent upon funding. Applicants must be able to work for the entirety of the project. Aerial survey flights will occur up to five days per week. These positions will be required to complete an aviation and marine safety/survival training course. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required. Group housing is provided. For more information and to apply: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=151474&… Please upload your cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information of three professional references during your application submission by August 30, 2024. Thank you, Melanie White Melanie White North Atlantic Right Whale Conservation Project Manager Research Biologist (she/her) Mobile 518.339.1202 mwhite(a)cmaquarium.org www.CMAResearchInstitue.org 249 Windward Passage | Clearwater, Florida 33767

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Pre-COP16 course: Green Strategies for Blue Ecosystems: Mangroves and Whales
by Isabel C. Avila 14 Aug '24

14 Aug '24

Dear MARMAMs, The 16th United Nations Conference on Biological Diversity, COP16, will be hosted in Cali, Colombia, from October to November 2024. Within the framework of this conference will be held the Pre-COP16 course Green Strategies for Blue Ecosystems from October 16-19, 2024 in the Pacific coast of Colombia. This pre-COP16 course is a 100% bilingual (EN/ES) program co-designed by local communities and member academic institutions to provide professionals from all sectors with experiential tools and knowledge for implementing sustainable strategies for marine-coastal biodiversity and ecosystem management. The course is focusing on mangroves, fishes, molluscs, crustaceans and whales. Course details, agenda and registration are available in this link: https://cemarin.org/portfolio_page/green-strategies-for-blue-ecosystems-pre… Thank you, Isabel Avila

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PhD positions at MAVE Lab, University of Wollongong, Australia
by Katharina Peters 13 Aug '24

13 Aug '24

Dear MARMAM readers, We are currently seeking expressions of interest from PhD candidates to join the MAVE Lab at the University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia: Project title A changing Sea Country: establishing an ecological baseline of a key marine predator in Jervis Bay to enable detection of future climate change effects Research area and project description Climate change is expected to reshape the distribution and population dynamics of various species within their ecosystems. In the case of key predators such as dolphins, this can cause cascading effects throughout the entire system. Despite these implications, many species and populations lack the fundamental ecological data to assess the effects of climate change on dolphins ranging patterns and population dynamics. The bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) population in Jervis Bay, NSW, is such an example, as no targeted research has been done here since 1998. Jervis Bay is home to a diverse marine ecosystem, and bottlenose dolphins are a key part of this biodiversity. The bay provides a critical habitat for these dolphins, offering them a place to hunt, breed, and raise their young. Bottlenose dolphins are a major draw for tourism in Jervis Bay, as the opportunity to observe these dolphins in their natural habitat attracts many visitors. Dolphin-watching tours are particularly popular, making these dolphins a significant part of the region’s ecotourism industry. Overall, bottlenose dolphins in Jervis Bay are vital for ecological, economic, and scientific reasons, making their protection and study important for the region. Nevertheless, this population has not been studied for more than 20 years. This project will address this gap by investigating abundance, distribution, behaviour and habitat use of bottlenose dolphins in Jervis Bay, thus providing a baseline against which to measure future changes. Fieldwork will require long hours in the field, including work outside the traditional Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm hours. While the general project direction is set out as described above, PhD candidates will have opportunities to shape their projects together with supervisors to match their skills and interests. Both domestic and international students are welcome to express their interest. Applicants with a MSc degree and/or first-author publication are especially encouraged to apply. Required qualifications: · Applicants will need to hold a 1st or high 2nd class Honours or equivalent in biology, ecology or a related field to be competitive for a University Postgraduate Award (UPA)<https://www.uow.edu.au/research-and-innovation/graduate-research/scholarshi…> · strong analytical and coding/programming experience in R or similar · excellent verbal and written communication skills · the ability to work well both independently and as part of a team Desirable qualifications: · candidates should be well-read in biological literature, especially pertaining to marine ecology and climate change · peer-reviewed publications · field experience in doing boat surveys, flying drones, and using photo-ID methods · Coxswain license · Remote Pilot License The project is a collaboration between the Marine Vertebrate Ecology Lab<https://www.mavelab.org> at the University of Wollongong (New South Whales) and the Cetacean Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution Lab<http://www.cebel.org.au> at Flinders University (South Australia). The student(s) will be enrolled at the University of Wollongong and be based at Wollongong. They will be supervised by Dr Katharina J Peters<https://www.mavelab.org/katharina-j-peters> and A/Prof Guido J Parra<https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/guido.parra>. To express your interest in this position, please submit the following to katharina_peters(a)uow.edu.au<mailto:katharina_peters@uow.edu.au>: · a cover letter outlining your motivation · a statement addressing required and desirable qualifications · your CV · contact information for 2 academic references Expressions of Interest close 31stAugust. We will contact selected applicants shortly after this date and work with them towards submitting scholarship applications. Strong candidates will be invited to apply through the official University of Wollongong admissions process to compete for either a domestic or international scholarship, which pays an indexed stipend of $34,000 p.a. tax free (2024 rate) and covers tuition fees charged by the university for up to 3.5 years. The closing date for these scholarships is 3rd October 2024. If successful, the selected applicant will start in February 2025. Feel free to contact me (Katharina_peters(a)uow.edu.au<mailto:Katharina_peters@uow.edu.au>) if you have any questions about this position. All the best, Katharina Dr Katharina J. Peters Lecturer in Biological Sciences Marine Vertebrate Ecology Lab<https://www.mavelab.org/> Environmental Futures, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia E katharina_peters(a)uow.edu.au<mailto:katharina_peters@uow.edu.au> | P 02 42392058 | L 35.G01D Website<https://katharinajpeters.weebly.com/> | UoW Profile<https://scholars.uow.edu.au/katharina-peters> | GoogleScholar<https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=7QWvsMUAAAAJ&hl=en> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/kjopeters> | ResearchGate<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Katharina-Peters-3> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharina-j-peters-b47b5370/?trk=nav_responsive…> [A dolphin and dolphin in a circle Description automatically generated]<http://www.mavelab.org/> [A logo of a university of wollongong australia Description automatically generated] <https://scholars.uow.edu.au/katharina-peters> [signature_2653694459] I may send emails outside of ‘normal’ working hours but please know that I do not expect a response outside of your own working hours.

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New publication: Assessment of PFAS and physiological biomarkers in bottlenose dolphins and killer whales
by Leila Soledade Lemos 13 Aug '24

13 Aug '24

Hello MARMAMers, My co-authors and I are excited to share our new publication at Chemosphere: Lemos LS, Silva EM, Steinman KJ, Robeck TR, Quinete NS. 2024. Assessment of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances and physiological biomarkers in aquarium-based bottlenose dolphins and killer whales. Chemosphere 364: 143038. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143038. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045653524019337 Abstract: Environmental concerns about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are considerably increasing due to their extensive use in commercial and consumer products. PFAS bioaccumulate and biomagnify throughout the food chain, and their toxicity and potential adverse health effects can potentially represent a threat to living organisms. In this study, we described PFAS profiles in the serum of two species of zoo-based bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus, n = 14 individuals) and killer whales (Orcinus orca, n = 14 individuals) from three locations (California, Florida, and Texas, USA), from 1994 to 2020. Potential physiological effects of PFAS were also explored by measuring different biomarkers (cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone, TBARS, and hydrogen peroxide) while accounting for individual age, sex, and reproductive stage. All PFAS were detected in at least one of the individuals, considering both species. ΣPFAS reached 496 ng mL−1 in bottlenose dolphins and 230 ng mL−1 in killer whales. In both species, the PFAS with higher mean concentrations were PFOS (108.0–183.0 ng ml−1) and PFNA (14.40–85.50 ng ml−1), which are long-chain compounds. Newborn individuals of both species were also exposed to PFAS, indicating transference via placenta and lactation. Linear mixed model analyses indicated significant correlations between aldosterone, month, year, location, and status; and between hydrogen peroxide, month, year, age, status, ΣPFAS, and Σ short-chain PFAS in killer whales suggesting seasonal variations related to the animal's physiological state (e.g., reproductive cycles, stress responses, weaning events) and increased reactive oxygen species formation due to PFAS exposure. Given our results, other contaminant classes should be investigated in cetaceans as they might have additive and synergistic detrimental effects on these individuals. This study lays the foundation to guide future researchers and highlights the importance of such assessments for animal welfare, and species conservation. Our results may inform management decisions regarding regulations of contaminant thresholds in delphinids. Cheers, [cid:03225ce8-3101-4ee5-8a7f-bc13c9d2310a] Leila S. Lemos, Ph.D. Institute of Environment Florida International University | MMC 11200 SW 8th St, VH 310 & 321 Miami, FL 33199 (971) 3409610 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Leila_Lemos https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-soledade-lemos-94972415/

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New publication - Effectiveness of marine protected areas in safeguarding important migratory megafauna habitat
by Leena Riekkola 11 Aug '24

11 Aug '24

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my coauthors, I'm please to share our recent open-access publication: Zhang, X., Carroll, E. L., Constantine, R., Andrews-Goff, V., Childerhouse, S., Cole, R., … & Riekkola, L. (2024). Effectiveness of marine protected areas in safeguarding important migratory megafauna habitat. Journal of Environmental Management https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301479724021029 Abstract: Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a commonly used management tool to safeguard marine life from anthropogenic impacts, yet their efficacy often remains untested. Evaluating how highly dynamic marine species use static MPAs is challenging but becoming more feasible with the advancement of telemetry data. Here, we focus on southern right whales (Eubalaena australis, SRWs) in the waters off Aotearoa/New Zealand, which declined from 30,000 whales to fewer than 40 mature females due to whaling. Now numbering in the low thousands, the key socializing and nursery areas for this population in the remote subantarctic islands are under the protection of different types of MPAs. However, the effectiveness of these MPAs in encompassing important whale habitat and protecting the whales from vessel traffic has not been investigated. To address this, we analyzed telemetry data from 29 SRWs tagged at the Auckland Islands between 2009 and 2022. We identified two previously unknown and currently unprotected areas that were used by the whales for important behaviors such as foraging, socializing, or resting. Additionally, by combining whale locations and vessel tracking data (2020–2022) during peak breeding period (June to October), we found high spatiotemporal overlap between whales and vessels within several MPAs, suggesting the whales could still be vulnerable to multiple anthropogenic stressors even when within areas designated for protection. Our results identify areas to be prioritized for future monitoring and investigation to support the ongoing recovery of this SRW population, as well as highlight the overarching importance of assessing MPA effectiveness post-implementation, especially in a changing climate. The article is open access and available here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301479724021029 Please reach out with any questions. All the best, Leena Riekkola -- -- Rutherford Postdoctoral Fellow Te Kura Mātauranga Koiora | School of Biological Sciences Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland e: lrie003(a)aucklanduni.ac.nz | p: +64 (0)212922551 | t: @FinntasticLeena

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New paper: Into the Blue: Exploring genetic mechanisms behind the evolution of baleen whales
by Gabrielle Genty 11 Aug '24

11 Aug '24

Dear MARMAM colleagues, My co-authors and I are excited to share with you our latest publication, which is also the first chapter of my PhD: Genty, G., Sandoval-Castillo, J., Beheregaray, L. B., & Möller, L. M. (2024). Into the Blue: Exploring Genetic Mechanisms Behind the Evolution of Baleen Whales. Gene, 148822, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gene.2024.148822 In this study, we used previously published whole-genome data from baleen whales and other cetaceans to investigate genes under positive selection. Our findings reveal numerous idiosyncratic and convergent genomic variations within baleen whales, particularly in genes associated with aging, survival, and homeostasis. We also discuss species-specific adaptations in blue, fin, humpback, and gray whales, highlighting, for example, the importance of immunity-related genes in blue and fin whales. These genetic adaptations may have played a key role in their morphological evolution, enabling these species to attain their remarkable size and adapt to diverse environments and diets. We hope this work contributes to a deeper understanding of the genomic basis behind the diversification of baleen whales and the broader adaptive radiation of cetaceans. Thank you for reading, and please feel free to share it. Gabrielle Genty ··························· PhD Candidate MSc Marine Mammals Science, St. Andrews University BSc Biology, Universidad de los Andes Pronouns: she/her Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL <https://www.cebel.org.au/our-team>) Molecular Ecology Lab (MELFU <https://molecularecology.flinders.edu.au/molecular-ecology-lab/people/phd-s…>) College of Science & Engineering Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia 5042 GPO Box 2100 Adelaide SA 5001 M: +61 8 8201 3865 I E: gabrielle.genty(a)flinders.edu.au I Twitter: gabrielle_genty <https://twitter.com/gabrielle_genty> I MELFU Lab: Profile page <https://molecularecology.flinders.edu.au/molecular-ecology-lab/people/phd-s…> I CEBEL Lab: Profile page <https://www.cebel.org.au/our-team> I CRICOS No: 00114A This email and any attachments may be confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, please inform the sender by reply email and delete all copies of this message.

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New publication and announcement: A Big Bang Theory of Big Brain Trauma
by Terrie Williams 10 Aug '24

10 Aug '24

Dear MARMAM Community, I am excited to share a new Expert Voices publication in Science this week: Williams, Terrie M. (2024) A Big Bang Theory of Big Brain Trauma. Science 385, https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adp9363 This article is a perspective on parallel scientific advancements concerning the potential for brain trauma in big brained mammals from dolphins and whale to humans. It asks the question, could impulsive anthropogenic noise in the oceans instigate neural cellular damage in deep-diving cetaceans? The purpose of the article is to not only bring attention to this worldwide problem, but to encourage responders at mass standing events to collect and preserve neural tissues during necropsies- admittedly not an easy task in the field. With a new analysis in hand, my colleagues and I would also be interested in joining with members of the marine mammal community with archived or new samples from cetaceans that could be analyzed as part of a neural trauma database (email: williams(a)biology.ucsc.edu) Thank you for reading, Terrie M. Williams Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California - Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA 95060

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The Marine Mammal Center | Rescue & Response Dispatcher Job Opportunity
by Lynda Schaefer 09 Aug '24

09 Aug '24

The Marine Mammal Center is Hiring! Position: Rescue & Response Dispatcher Location of Position: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California For more information and to apply click here!<https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/2634797/Marine-Mam…> Job Summary: The Rescue & Response Dispatcher supports The Marine Mammal Center's stranded animal rescue and response operations often as the first point of contact with the public. Calls from the public with reports regarding distressed marine mammals and sea turtles through The Marine Mammal Center's hotline are answered by the Rescue & Response Dispatcher who then supports and educates the caller, evaluates the needs of the animal, provides detailed documentation of the exchange, and coordinates volunteers for responses. OUR MISSION The Marine Mammal Center advances global conservation through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, scientific research, and education. ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER The Marine Mammal Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education. For more information, please visit our "About Us" page at www.marinemammalcenter.org<https://www.marinemammalcenter.org/about-us/what-we-do> [cid:image001.png@01DAEAA7.F812F180] Lynda Schaefer, CDR, CPP, SPHR (she/her) Director of Compensation & Compliance schaeferl(a)tmmc.org<mailto:schaeferl@tmmc.org> | T: 415.754.4022| MarineMammalCenter.org<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/> The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Sausalito, CA 94965

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Reminder - UF Fall online aquatics courses - Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues and Marine Mammal Biology
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 09 Aug '24

09 Aug '24

Hi All, Registration is still open for Fall 2023. The University of Florida, Aquatic Animal Health Program is offering the Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues and Marine Mammal Biology courses, fully online. Classes start Wednesday August 23rd and run through Wednesday, December 6th. * Registration will remain open through Aug 29th. Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues Class (VME-4012, VME-6010) is an online course (3 credits) designed to introduce students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) to the controversial issues surrounding aquatic animal species ranging from invertebrates to marine mammals, with an emphasis on marine mammals, but also including sea turtles, fisheries, and marine ecosystems. Students enrolled at any College or University can take this course. Marine Mammal Biology (VME-6014) is an online graduate course that will provide graduate students with a detailed overview of marine mammal species including cetaceans, sirenians, pinnipeds, mustelids, and ursids. Each module will broadly explore a particular ecological, biological, or physiological theme related to the study of marine mammals, including taxonomy and biodiversity, diving physiology, thermoregulation, foraging ecology, and reproduction as well as the many conservation and management issues faced by different marine mammal species. *These classes are also available at the graduate level within our Care & Conservation of Aquatic Animals graduate certificate* For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Dr. Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu)<mailto:ivlarkin@ufl.edu%29.*This> Sincerely, Dr Iske Larkin [AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Senior Lecturer & Education Coordinator Director of Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu<http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/> "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." -Anonymous ________________________________

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New article on global systematic review Species Distribution Models applied to cetaceans and sea turtles
by Antonella Arcangeli 09 Aug '24

09 Aug '24

Dear all, we are pleased to announce the publication of our recent paper, which provides a systematic review of species distribution modeling approaches for cetaceans and sea turtles. Pasanisi, E., Pace, D. S., Orasi, A., Vitale, M., & Arcangeli, A. (2024). A global systematic review of species distribution modelling approaches for cetaceans and sea turtles. Ecological Informatics, 102700. ABSTRACT: In the last decades, interest in species distribution models (SDMs) has grown greatly. The descriptive and predictive power of correlative SDMs is highly valued to meet the high demand for filling gaps in the spatial ecology of wide-ranging and elusive species, such as cetaceans and sea turtles, living in habitats that are technically challenging to survey and where the availability of high quality, unbiased data at appropriate spatial and temporal resolution is not straightforward. This study endeavours to offer a comprehensive global overview of recent advancements in modelling techniques within the realm of SDMs applied to cetaceans and sea turtles. Through a rigorous systematic review of 295 research papers, we identified gaps in species and geographic coverage and highlighted the underrepresentation of biotic, anthropogenic, and water column variables. Our examination revealed a diverse array of modelling approaches, showcasing a notable preference for standard regression-based or machine-learning models, such as GAMs or Maxent, with Bayesian-based models emerging and experiencing growing development. Critical limitations and decisions in constructing and evaluating SDMs were discussed, proposing best practices for future studies. Emphasis was placed on the importance of validating models using fully independent datasets, particularly in the context of conservationist studies. This work not only sheds light on the state of the field but also serves as a valuable tool for those interested in modelling the distribution of these magnificent and enigmatic animals, as well as other cryptic species, offering insights that can guide researchers in making informed decisions in the realm of SDMs. We really hope it could be of help to all of us. You can find the article available open access here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2024.102700 If you have any questions, please feel free to email Eugenia or me: eugenia.pasanisi(a)uniroma1.it , antonella.arcangeli(a)isprambiente.it All the best to all of you, antonella

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