September 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Rings of Power: evidence of mud ring feeding performed by Guiana dolphins
by Julia Cavalli Pierry 19 Sep '24

19 Sep '24

Dear colleagues Me and my co-authors are pleased to share our latest publication. Pierry JC, Novelli MBS, Louzada CN, Moteiro-Filho ELA. Rings of Power: evidence of mud ring feeding performed by Guiana dolphins. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. 2024;104:e69. doi:10.1017/S002531542400078X AbstractTo capture prey more efficiently, cetaceans can display a wide range of foraging tactics to separate individual prey. Barrier feeding tactics are performed to restrict prey movements, using natural and non-natural barriers and some species can even create barriers with their own bodies. Mud ring feeding has been observed in bottlenose dolphins in Florida Bay and in Chetumal-Corozal Bay, were ring-maker dolphins create ring-shaped mud plumes to encircle fish schools. Here, we document for the first time Guiana dolphins performing the mud ring feeding behavior in the Cananéia estuarine system, in the southern portion of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 11 dolphins were recorded in four expeditions through aerial footage engaging in the behaviour. These findings expand our knowledge about the behavioural plasticity of the species and builds upon existing records of mud ring feeding behaviour in cetaceans. LinkRings of power: evidence of mud ring feeding performed by Guiana dolphins | Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom | Cambridge Core Best regardsJulia Cavalli Pierry Links in the message (1) | | | Rings of power: evidence of mud ring fe... |

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New publication: Drag reduction and locomotory power in dolphins: Gray's paradox revealed.
by Dara Orbach 19 Sep '24

19 Sep '24

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our recently published paper on swimming energetics of free-ranging dolphins: Davis, R.W., Fiori, L., Würsig, B., Orbach, D.N. 2024. Drag reduction and locomotory power in dolphins: Gray's paradox revealed. *Journal of the Royal Society Interface 21: *20240227. *doi: 10.1098/rsif.2024.0227 <https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/abs/10.1098/rsif.2024.0227>* Abstract: For 88 years, biologists and engineers have sought to understand the hydrodynamics enabling dolphins to swim at speeds seemingly beyond their energetic capabilities, a phenomenon known as Gray’s paradox. Hydromechanical models calculating the drag of swimming dolphins estimated power requirements for sustained high-speed swimming, which were physiologically impossible. Using an uncrewed aerial vehicle, we calculated the total power of free-ranging dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) at speeds from 0.9 to 6.9 m s−1, deriving drag coefficients (Cd) and drag. Our results showed that the Cd decreased exponentially with speed, reducing drag by up to 89% at speeds >2 m s−1, with an additional 17% reduction during porpoising (>4.0 m s−1). At 6.9 m s−1, drag was 32 N, with a power of 15.8 W kg−1, nearly identical to the mass-specific allometric prediction for the maximum aerobic capacity of other mammals and physiologically possible. The Cd at speeds >2.5 m s−1 indicated reduced turbulence in the boundary layer around the dolphin’s body, thereby reducing drag. The ability of dusky dolphins to swim at sustained high speeds resulted from an exponential decrease in Cd, which was further reduced by porpoising, thereby explaining the low drag and locomotory power that resolved Gray’s paradox. The article is not open access and is available upon request to Randall Davis (davisr(a)tamug.edu) or Dara Orbach (dnorbach(a)gmail.com) Thank you, Dara Orbach, PhD Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi

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Rel. New Paper: Strange attractor of a narwhal (Podolskiy & Heide-Jorgensen)
by Evgeniy Podolskiy 19 Sep '24

19 Sep '24

Dear colleagues, I am pleased to share our (~relatively~) recent paper in which we propose a new methodology for dive-data analysis and detect a diurnal pattern in narwhal diving behavior. I am posting it now because this approach has just been extended to bowhead whales (Podolskiy et al., Phys. Rev. Res., 2024, https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.6.033174) as mentioned in my previous announcement. Strange attractor of a narwhal (Monodon monoceros). by Podolskiy EA & Heide-Jørgensen MP (2022) PLOS Comput. Biol. 18(9): e1010432. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010432 [Abstract] Detecting structures within the continuous diving behavior of marine animals is challenging, and no universal framework is available. We captured such diverse structures using chaos theory. By applying time-delay embedding to exceptionally long dive records (83 d) from the narwhal, we reconstructed the state-space portrait. Using measures of chaos, we detected a diurnal pattern and its seasonal modulation, classified data, and found how sea-ice appearance shifts time budgets. There is more near-surface rest but deeper dives at solar noon, and more intense diving during twilight and at night but to shallower depths (likely following squid); sea-ice appearance reduces rest. The introduced geometrical approach is simple to implement and potentially helpful for mapping and labeling long-term behavioral data, identifying differences between individual animals and species, and detecting perturbations. Best regards, Evgeny Podolskiy, Assoc. Prof. Arctic Research Center, Hokkaido University, Japan

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New publication: Pediatric Drone: Estimating morphometric measurements in spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) calves based on aerial photogrammetry (RIO et al., 2024)
by Raul Rio Ribeiro 19 Sep '24

19 Sep '24

Dear MarMam community, I am pleased to share my latest article published in Marine Mammal Science: Pediatric Drone: Estimating morphometric measurements in spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) calves based on aerial photogrammetry (Raul Rio) The paper can be found here: http://doi.org/10.1111/mms.13185 If you're interested in reading the full article, please email me for a copy of the pdf: somoceano(a)gmail.com raul.rio(a)ufjf.br (Raul Rio) or access the follow link https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Raul-Rio Monitoring and assessing cetaceans through non-invasive methods may be used as shortcut to help improving knowledge about these species; many of them are endangered species. The current study was the first to collect and analyze aerial morphological measurements taken from odontocete calves. Aerial photogrammetry data were collected from oceanic spinner mother-calf (Stenella longirostris) pairs swimming together, at a shallow rest bay known as “Biboca”, around Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil. Estimated body length (EBL), anterior width of pectoral fin (PEC), width at the axilla (AXI) and body condition indices (PECidx and AXLidx) were the morphometric measurements adopted. The herein adopted aerial protocol was accurate in identifying mean temporal body condition variations in calves over 106 days without any disturbing behavior potentially associated with the presence of the drone registered throughout the study. The results added new limits to the current morphological local knowledge by registering a 201 cm-long adult individual and a 78 cm-long newborn dolphin. The aerial protocol can be used to assess calf growth patterns in small cetacean species, which, in their turn, can be indicators of cetaceans’ individual and population health, mainly in environments threatened by human activities, like the one in Fernando de Noronha Archipelago. Happy reading! Raul RioUniversidade Federal de Juiz de Fora - UFJF ONG Som de Oceano (Ocean Sound NGO) http://www.somdeoceano.com.br http://www.oceansound.org Linktree: https://linktr.ee/somdeoceano Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somdeoceano/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@somdeoceano

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New publication on historical killings of small cetaceans due to perceived competition with fisheries
by Marie Petitguyot 19 Sep '24

19 Sep '24

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share with you our new paper on historical killings of small cetaceans in Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review: Petitguyot, M.A.C., Bearzi, G., van den Hurk, Y., Tejedor Fuentes, M., and Pierce, G.J. 2024. Intentional killings and culling of small cetaceans due to perceived competition with fisheries in the Mediterranean Sea and Northeast Atlantic between the eighteenth and twentieth centuries. Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review, 62: 120-162. The paper is open access and available online at: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/reader/download/f1ac4d9f-60c6-4201-92f0-90dcb… Abstract: Between the eighteenth and twentieth centuries, many small cetaceans (particularly dolphins) were killed in large numbers off the coasts of Europe and North Africa, due to perceived competition with fisheries. Dolphins were long considered as pests, responsible for reduced fish catches and damage to fishing gear. This conflict was particularly acute between the second half of the nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth century, when governments from various countries encouraged and subsidised the extermination of small cetaceans. While the precise number of killings and the effects these had on the past and current status of cetacean populations are largely unknown, historical records and osteological collections can help us appreciate their magnitude. Here we first summarise information available regarding conflict between fishers and small cetaceans in various countries around the Mediterranean and Northeast Atlantic. Then, based on an extensive analysis of historical literature that included landing and bounty reports, and on a review of osteological collections, we provide new and extensive information on conflicts in France and Algeria. For France and Algeria, we (1) provide information regarding the context and chronology of killings and culling campaigns, (2) describe the methods used to deter and kill cetaceans, (3) identify the species affected, and (4) attempt to quantify the number of individuals killed. Our results suggest that tens of thousands of small cetaceans were killed in France and Algeria, primarily between the 1880s and the 1930s. Total mortality of small cetaceans due to human conflict in the Mediterranean Sea and Northeast Atlantic is certainly much higher, as that includes the killings in all other countries where similar conflicts existed. Such a high mortality likely had an important negative impact on dolphin population trajectories, particularly in the Mediterranean Sea. In the second half of the twentieth century, intentional killings largely stopped, but small cetaceans became exposed to a variety of other anthropogenic threats. Reconstructing past mortality can help us understand current population trends, viability and potential for recovery, as well as help us to set meaningful baselines for conservation. For questions about the paper, please email me at mpetitguyot(a)iim.csic.es Best wishes, -- Marie Petitguyot Institute of Marine Research - Spanish National Research Council Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas - IIM-CSIC C/ Eduardo Cabello, 6 CP 36208 Vigo (Pontevedra) Spain

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SMM workshop: Sex in Cetaceans
by Dara Orbach 19 Sep '24

19 Sep '24

Dear colleagues, We are excited to announce the “Sex and Cetaceans” full day workshop <https://www.smmconference.org/workshops/>on 10 November at SMM2024 in Perth. We invite all researchers, students, practitioners, and interested members of our community to attend and engage. About the workshop: The Sex in Cetaceans workshop is designed to bring marine mammal researchers together to explore the multi-faceted aspects of mating and reproduction in whales, dolphins, and porpoises, and the implications for conservation. The workshop builds on the information and ideas presented in the recently published open access volume by the same name (https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-35651-3) The gathering at SMM2024 provides a forum for discussing key concepts, sharing new insights, drawing connections among species, and identifying knowledge gaps for aspiring and seasoned cetologists. In parallel with the goals of the Biennial, and in addition to a rollicking discussion of the newest findings in cetacean sex, the ultimate goal of the workshop is to explore ways to link scientific findings to practical actions that will improve conservation outcomes for threatened and endangered cetacean species and populations globally. We also encourage conversation on technologies (traditional and novel) that promote understanding of all aspects of cetacean sex and reproduction. Agenda for the workshop: The workshop will begin with a keynote address from Dr. Bernd Würsig followed by a series of conversations around key topics in cetacean sex, similar to the organization in the book. Each topic will begin with introductory remarks and/or presentation(s), followed by an interactive group discussion. There will be two coffee breaks and a lunch break for casual interactions. Topic categories include (but not limited to): anatomy and physiology; methods and new technologies; case studies; sexual selection and evolution; conservation and management. Workshop questionnaire: As we prepare for the workshop, please let us know if you are considering registering for the workshop <https://www.smmconference.org/workshops/>. If so, we would appreciate it if you would please fill in this brief survey to indicate if you are interested in presenting and/or suggest topics you’d like to see discussed. Please respond to these questions by 1 Oct 2024. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNTsD2o_T1AAMMn0HOh37QnHs4GXgXjyv… Questions? Let us know. Thank you! Dara Orbach, Sarah Mesnick, and Bernd Würsig Dara.Orbach(a)tamucc.edu <Dara.Orbach(a)tamu.edu> wuersig(a)sbcglobal.net> sarah.mesnick(a)Noaa.gov

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Marine Mammal Observer Training Opportunity in Vancouver, British Columbia
by Emily Welsh 19 Sep '24

19 Sep '24

Edgewise Environmental is offering a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) training program from October 3rd - October 31st. This course includes 4 weeks of online theory and an in-person, at-sea practical on November 7th in Vancouver, BC. Click here <https://www.edgewiseenvironmental.com/events/> for more information or email info(a)edgewiseenvironmental.com Cheers, Emily Welsh *Social Media and Marketing Coordinator* Edgewise Environmental Ltd. (709) 770-0492 St. John's, NL, Canada www.edgewiseenvironmental.com [image: Facebook icon] <https://www.facebook.com/edgewiseenvironmental> [image: LinkedIn icon] <https://www.linkedin.com/company/edgewise-environmental/> [image: Twitter icon] <https://twitter.com/edgewiseNL> [image: Instagram icon] <https://www.instagram.com/edgewiseenvironmental> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: *The contents of this email message and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged information and may be legally protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient of this message or their agent, or if this message has been addressed to you in error, please immediately alert the sender by reply email and then delete this message and any attachments. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, copying, or storage of this message or its attachments is strictly prohibited. *

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New publication: Using satellite imagery to estimate abundance of beluga whales
by Sherbo, Bryanna (DFO/MPO) 19 Sep '24

19 Sep '24

Hello Marmam family, My co-authors and I are happy to announce our recent publication: Sherbo, B. A., Belanger, A., Charry, B., & Watt, C. A. Using satellite imagery to estimate abundance of Cumberland Sound beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) in 2021. Frontiers in Marine Science, 11, 1422907. Abstract: The Cumberland Sound beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) population inhabits Cumberland Sound on the southeast side of Baffin Island, Nunavut. The population is listed as threatened under the Species at Risk Act. The last abundance estimate from an aerial survey was estimated at 1,381 (95% CI: 1,270-1,502) beluga whales in 2017 for an area covering 12,485 km2. Since then, satellite imagery has been used as a remotely based non-invasive method to monitor these whales. Very High Resolution (VHR) satellite imagery covering 9,690 km² of water was collected from Cumberland Sound from August 30 to September 7, 2021, during the ice free season. Readers with previous imagery analysis experience analyzed the images and identified 704 certain detections. Abundance estimates were corrected for availability bias for whales that were too deep to be detected in the imagery (>2m). We present a total estimate of 1,690 (CV = 0.16; 95% CI: 1,241-2,301) beluga whales in Cumberland Sound (22,663 km2). This estimate covers a larger area and estimates a higher abundance than the 2017 aerial survey. Regular population abundance assessments are essential for understanding population dynamics and trends and we have shown here that satellite imagery is a comparable method to aerial surveys for estimating abundance. Link to the article: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.… Best regards, Bryanna Sherbo (Bryanna.Sherbo(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca<mailto:Bryanna.Sherbo@dfo-mpo.gc.ca>) Aquatic Biologist | Biologiste Aquatique Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada

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New publication: Baleen whales in the sub-Antarctic region
by Fannie Shabangu 19 Sep '24

19 Sep '24

Good day MARMAM Colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am happy to announce the publication of our below paper in Scientific Reports: Shabangu, F.W., Munoz, T., Van Uffelen, L., Estabrook, B.E.,Yemane, D., Stafford, K.M., Branch, T.A., Vermeulen, E., van den Berg, M.A.,Lamont, T. 2024. Diverse baleen whale acoustic occurrence around twosub-Antarctic Islands: A tale of residents and visitors. Sci. Rep. 14, 21663. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-72696-2 Abstract Knowledge on the occurrence and behaviour of baleen whalesaround sub-Antarctic regions is limited, and usually based on short, seasonalsighting research from shore or research vessels and whaling records, neitherof which provide accurate and comprehensive year-round perspectives of these animals’ecology. We investigated the seasonal acoustic occurrence and diel vocalizingpattern of baleen whales around the sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands (PEIs)using passive acoustic monitoring data from mid-2021 to mid-2023, detecting sixdistinct baleen whale songs from Antarctic blue whales, Madagascan pygmy bluewhales, fin whales, Antarctic minke whales, humpback whales, and sei whales.Antarctic blue and fin whales were detected year-round whereas the otherspecies’ songs were detected seasonally, including a new Antarctic minke whalebio-duck song sub-type described here for the first time. Antarctic minke andsei whales were more vocally active at night-time whereas the other species hadno clear diel vocalizing patterns. Random forest models identified month and/orsea surface temperature as the most important predictors of all baleen whaleacoustic occurrence. These novel results highlight the PEIs as a useful habitatfor baleen whales given the number of species that inhabit or transit throughthis region. The paper is open access and downloadable from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-72696-2 Kind regards,Fannie _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Fannie W. Shabangu, PhD (He/Him) Marine BiologistDepartment of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Cape Town, South AfricaE-mail: fannie.shabangu(a)yahoo.com; fshabangu(a)dffe.gov.za Mobile: +27 74 220 0210 Tel: +27 21 402 3553 Research Fellow Mammal Research InstituteWhale Unit University of PretoriaHatfield, South Africa

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The Black and Indigenous Scholars Award in Mammalogy
by Matt Leslie 18 Sep '24

18 Sep '24

Hello Marine Mammalogists! I am forwarding on the message below from our sister organization the American Society of Mammalogists. I hope many of you will apply! Sincerely, *Matthew S. Leslie, PhD * Assistant Professor Biology Department | Ursinus College mleslie(a)ursinus.edu www.matthewsleslie.com The Black and Indigenous Scholars Award in Mammalogy is now accepting applications for awards of up to $1500 to support the further development of mammalogy by Black/African American, African, and Indigenous individuals. Please share this information with your networks! The application form and terms of the award are available here: http://www.mammalsociety.org/form/black-indigenous-scholars-award <https://asm.wildapricot.org/EmailTracker/LinkTracker.ashx?linkAndRecipientC…> The application window is now open, and it closes at 11:59 pm PST on October 15; award recipients will be notified by November 15. Any questions about the application process or the award itself can be directed to Rhiannon Jakopak at asm.idea.committee(a)gmail.com. Terms of award: The Black and Indigenous Scholars Award is targeted at research and activities related to mammals. There are no thematic limits to this award; research on ecology, behavior, biogeography, genomics, physiology, taxonomy, or any other arena is acceptable. The only taxonomic limit is that this is not intended to support research on humans (although research on how humans impact non-human mammals could be acceptable). Applicant will be a current, potential, or aspiring mammalogist from or residing in North or South America who is Black/African American, African, and/or Indigenous, as outlined in the United Nations guidelines for identifying Indigenous peoples. Individuals at any level of experience may apply, including high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, as well as postdoctoral researchers, early professionals (within 5 years of terminal degree), and established professionals. High school-level applicants are invited to apply, but must be asking for funding for a formal course, program, or training related to mammalogy. To maximize the gains of this award, applications from students and early-career professionals will be given priority over established professionals. The award may be used to support the cost of equipment or supplies; field assistants; travel to/from research sites, museums, or other venues for research or coursework; meeting registration cost and travel to meetings; publishing costs; course or training fees; or per diem, as justified by the applicant. The award may not be used for “pay to play” or other exploitative “volunteer” opportunities. Applicants do not need to be affiliated with academic institutions. Applicants do not need to be current members of the American Society of Mammalogists. Selection criteria: The review committee will emphasize the quality of efforts and impact of the applicant over more traditional quantitative measures. The following general themes will be emphasized: - The applicant will be a scholar from or residing in the Western Hemisphere who is Black/African American, African, and/or Indigenous. - Career status of high school level and above; there is no age limit. - Ability to speak to how the award will help the applicant professionally. It is implicit that this will relate to the field of mammalogy in some way. - Ability to speak to how the applicant’s identity has contributed to their career goals, interests, and hopes. - Proposals that have broad impacts and where the funds can go further than the applicant’s specific project. Thank you for your time, and please reach out if you have any questions!

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