September 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication on the biology, ecology and conservation of the Iberian Porpoise
by Marie Petitguyot 18 Sep '24

18 Sep '24

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of all co-authors, I am pleased to share with you our new paper on Iberian porpoises in Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review: Pierce, G.J., Petitguyot, M.A.C., Gutierrez-Muñoz, P., Fariñas-Bermejo, A., Fernández-Fernández, D., Dolman, S., Fontaine, M.C., Hernández-González, A., Gil, A., Read, F.L., Martínez-Cedeira, J., Covelo, P., Díaz López, B., Ivaylova, S., Llavona, A., López, A., López, M., Marçalo, A., Methion, S., Méndez-Fernandez, P., Murphy, S., Pérez Fernández, B., Puig Lozano, R., Pinn, E.H., Saavedra, C., Verutes, G.M., Viñas, L., Weir, C.R. 2024. An Endangered Population of Harbour Porpoise Phocoena phocoena Hidden in Plain Sight: Biology, Ecology and Conservation of the Iberian Porpoise. Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review, 62: 1-119. The paper is open access and available online at: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/reader/download/756fd19d-e7e8-4dd2-80c6-6abdb… Abstract: The Iberian harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) reaches a larger body size than most other harbour porpoise populations and is genetically distinct, albeit closely related to the population in Northwest Africa. Currently comprising an estimated 3000–4000 individuals, genetic evidence and strandings data suggest that the population has declined in recent times, and it is considered to be at risk of extinction. It is distributed all around the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula, with the highest densities off Galicia in Northwest Spain and Northern and Central Portugal, a highly productive upwelling area characterised by cold‐water upwelling. There are occasional reports from the Mediterranean and Macaronesia and some evidence of emigration into the Celtic Sea. It feeds mostly on fish, with pelagic fish being more important than in the diet of porpoises from northern Europe, perhaps due to excursions beyond the narrow continental shelf. The population faces a number of anthropogenic threats. Historically, porpoises were used for human consumption while current threats include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), with some individuals having concentrations in their blubber above the threshold for impairment of reproduction, and nematode infections, probably also prey depletion, underwater noise and fatal attacks by bottlenose dolphins. The most serious current threat is fishery bycatch mortality. Stranding data suggest that the bycatch mortality increased in the last decade. Although based on information from a small number of documented mortalities (reflecting limited observer coverage especially for small‐scale fishing as well as a low number of reported strandings), annual bycatch mortality estimates are in the order of a few hundred animals, which is clearly unsustainable. There is, however, an apparent incompatibility between the high bycatch estimates and the rather similar abundance estimates obtained from large‐scale abundance surveys in 2005, 2016 and 2022. Consistent with population status assessments by Spain and Portugal, OMMEG (Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North‐East Atlantic) concluded that bycatch mortality in Iberian porpoise “is critically exceeding the agreed threshold” of zero. There are several national initiatives in Spain and Portugal including the development of species conservation plans. Continuous reduction of bycatch mortality, preferably until such mortality is eliminated, is a priority to ensure that this population does not disappear in the near future. 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

1 0

New Publication on detection probability for Antarctic blue whales in Southern Ocean
by Franciele de Castro 18 Sep '24

18 Sep '24

Dear Marmam community, My colleagues and I are pleased to share our new paper "Beyond counting calls: estimating detection probability for Antarctic blue whales reveals biological trends in seasonal calling", in the Frontiers in Marine Biology, Sec. Marine Megafauna. Access the manuscript and download the full text at http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmars.2024.1406678/full. Cite this paper: De Castro, F.R., Harris, D.V., Buchan, S.J., Balcazar, N. and Miller, B.S., Beyond counting calls: estimating detection probability for Antarctic blue whales reveals biological trends in seasonal calling. *Frontiers in Marine Science*, *11*, p.1406678. Abstract We explore the utility of estimating the density of calls of baleen whales for better understanding acoustic trends over time. We consider as a case study stereotyped ‘song’ calls of Antarctic blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia) on their Antarctic feeding grounds over the course of a year-long, continuous recording from 2014. The recording was made in the Southern Ocean from a deep-water autonomous hydrophone moored near the seafloor in the Eastern Indian sector of the Antarctic. We estimated call density seasonally via a Monte-Carlo simulation based on the passive sonar equation, and compared our estimates to seasonal estimates of detection rate, which are commonly reported in acoustic studies of Antarctic blue whales. The resulting seasonal call densities at our Antarctic site were strongly influenced by seasonally varying noise levels, which in turn yielded seasonal differences in detection range. Incorporating the seasonal estimates of detection area into our analysis revealed a pattern of call densities in accord with historic (non-acoustic) knowledge of Antarctic blue whale seasonal distribution and migrations, a pattern that differed from seasonal detection rates. Furthermore, our methods for estimating call densities produced results that were more statistically robust for comparison across sites and time and more meaningful for interpretation of biological trends compared to detection rates alone. These advantages came at the cost of a more complex analysis that accounts for the large variability in detection range of different sounds that occur in Antarctic waters, and also accounts for the performance and biases introduced by automated algorithms to detect sounds. Despite the additional analytical complexities, broader usage of call densities, instead of detection rates, has the potential to yield a standardized, statistically robust, biologically informative, global investigation of acoustic trends in baleen whale sounds recorded on single hydrophones, especially in the remote and difficult to access Antarctic. Warm regards, Franciele de Castro

1 0

Re: [MARMAM] New publication: Whistle structure variation between two sympatric dolphin species in the Gulf of California
by simone antichi 18 Sep '24

18 Sep '24

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to share our recent article published in Hydrobiologia. Antichi, S., M. Rege‑Colt, M. Austin, L. J. May‑Collado, Ó. Carlón-Beltrán, J. Urbán R., S. Martínez-Aguilar, & L. Viloria-Gómora, 2024. Whistle structure variation between two sympatric dolphin species in the Gulf of California. Hydrobiologia. Abstract Dolphins produce narrowband and frequency modulated sounds called whistles during a variety of behavioral contexts. Dolphin species vary in their whistle contour composition, frequency range, modulation, and duration, and these differences can be useful in their identification. Here, we compare the whistle contours of two sympatric dolphin species at La Paz Bay, Gulf of California, the Eastern Tropical Pacific bottlenose dolphin, and the long-beaked common dolphin. Dolphins were recorded (7 h and 1 min recording effort) from the research vessel with the engine off using an over-the-side hydrophone and a broadband recording system. A total of 666 high quality whistles (bottlenose dolphin, n = 415; long-beaked common dolphin, n = 251) were analyzed. A Random Forest Analysis identified duration, ending frequency, and maximum frequency as the most important variables that distinguish the two dolphin species. The most common whistle contour types of bottlenose dolphins were sine and convex, while the long-beaked common dolphins produced mainly upsweep and concave whistles. The results showed that bottlenose dolphins and long-beaked common dolphins differ in their whistle variables and contours facilitating their identification in future passive acoustic studies. The paper can be downloaded at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-024-05675-3 If you have any questions regarding our work please contact me at: s.antichi0191(a)gmail.com Best Regards, Simone Antichi -- PhD Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Autonomous University of Baja California Sur, Mexico. Il giorno mer 18 set 2024 alle ore 12:58 simone antichi < s.antichi0191(a)gmail.com> ha scritto: > Dear MARMAM community, > > On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to share our recent article > published in Hydrobiologia. > > Antichi, S., M. Rege‑Colt, M. Austin, L. J. May‑Collado, Ó. > Carlón-Beltrán, J. Urbán R., S. Martínez-Aguilar, & L. Viloria-Gómora, > 2024. Whistle structure variation between two sympatric dolphin species in > the Gulf of California. Hydrobiologia. > > Abstract > Dolphins produce narrowband and frequency modulated sounds called whistles > during a variety of behavioral contexts. Dolphin species vary in their > whistle contour composition, frequency range, modulation, and duration, and > these differences can be useful in their identification. Here, we compare > the whistle contours of two sympatric dolphin species at La Paz Bay, Gulf > of California, the Eastern Tropical Pacific bottlenose dolphin, and the > long-beaked common dolphin. Dolphins were recorded (7 h and 1 min recording > effort) from the research vessel with the engine off using an over-the-side > hydrophone and a broadband recording system. A total of 666 high quality > whistles (bottlenose dolphin, n = 415; long-beaked common dolphin, n = 251) > were analyzed. A Random Forest Analysis identified duration, ending > frequency, and maximum frequency as the most important variables that > distinguish the two dolphin species. The most common whistle contour types > of bottlenose dolphins were sine and convex, while the long-beaked common > dolphins produced mainly upsweep and concave whistles. The results showed > that bottlenose dolphins and long-beaked common dolphins differ in their > whistle variables and contours facilitating their identification in future > passive acoustic studies. > > The paper and can be downloaded at: > https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-024-05675-3 > If you have any questions regarding our work please contact me at: > s.antichi0191(a)gmail.com > > Best Regards, > Simone Antichi > -- > PhD > Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Autonomous University of Baja > California Sur, Mexico. > >

1 0

Scholarships Available - SMM2024 Marine Mammal Science Education Workshop
by Brijonnay Madrigal 17 Sep '24

17 Sep '24

Scholarships are currently available for up to four SMM2024 conference attendees interested in attending the “SMMILE Toolbox: Building Inclusive Science Education Opportunities” workshop (details below). Scholarship recipients will receive a discount of 50% off the $100 full-day registration fee. Priority will be given to students and attendees from low income countries. To apply, please email a one paragraph statement to Brijonnay Madrigal ( bcm2(a)hawaii.edu) including the following information: - Current affiliation - Country of residence - Why you are interested in this workshop and how you would benefit from this financial assistance. ____________________________________________ 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: Spatiotemporal Variability of Fin Whale and Blue Whale Calls Detected by Land Seismometers Along the Lower St. Lawrence Seaway
by Eva Goblot 17 Sep '24

17 Sep '24

Dear all, My co-authors and I are thrilled to announce our recent open-access publication: Goblot, E., Liu, Y., Plourde, A., Cauchy, P., Mérindol, J., Bernier-Breton, C., Li, G., and Roth, B. (2024). Spatiotemporal Variability of Fin Whale and Blue Whale Calls Detected by Land Seismometers Along the Lower St. Lawrence Seaway. Seismica. Abstract: The Lower St. Lawrence Seaway (LSLS) is critical to Canada’s economy both as part of a major marine shipping corridor and a site of intensive fishing. Every year, fin whales and blue whales frequent the LSLS feeding ground. Understanding the mechanisms driving whale habitat usage is key for making informed decisions on shipping and fishing, reducing whale collision risks and mitigating noise pollution. We detect whales in the LSLS with land seismometers by using a method that relies on the intervals of the regularly repeating low frequency calls. The resulting catalogue contains 14076 fin whale detections and 3739 blue whale detections between February 2020 and January 2022. These detections follow the overall pattern of hydrophones, with most detections from fall to early winter in the Estuary and until mid-winter/spring in the Gulf. High detection rates in the Northwest Gulf throughout the winter months demonstrate that this region is potentially utilized year-round. This labelled catalogue may be suitable for developing a deep learning-based whale call detection algorithm. Making use of seismic data and deep learning can increase whale monitoring coverage within the LSLS and elsewhere. Link to the full open-access article: http://doi.org/10.26443/seismica.v3i2.1153 Please feel free to reach out with any questions. Best regards, Eva Goblot (eva.goblot(a)dal.ca<mailto:eva.goblot@dal.ca>) —-------------- MSc Candidate, Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University BSc Earth System Science, McGill University

1 0

New Publication: Vessel Strike Risk to Rice's Whale in the Gulf of Mexico: Review of Previous Methodologies, Information Gaps, and Recommendations for Future Efforts to Predict Strike Risks
by Glenn, Tre W 17 Sep '24

17 Sep '24

Dear Colleagues, BOEM is pleased to share with you a new study which assessed vessel strike risk to Rice’s whales in the northern Gulf posed by vessel traffic specifically related to BOEM authorized activities, including evaluating previously employed methodologies for predicting Rice’s whale strike risk. The study provided recommendations to BOEM for additional study to inform a statistically meaningful vessel strike risk assessment methodology. Stevens TS, Fonseca M, Barkaszi MJ. 2024. Vessel strike risk to Rice’s whale in the Gulf of Mexico: review of previous methodologies, information gaps, and recommendations for future efforts to predict strike risks. New Orleans (LA): U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. 61 p. Obligation No.: 140M0124P0008. Report No.: OCS Study BOEM 2024-053. Abstract In the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf), the endangered Rice’s whales (Balaenoptera ricei) are especially susceptible to vessel strike due to their surface behaviors, particularly at night, when individuals may spend up to 88 percent of their time at the surface. This behavior puts Rice’s whales within the draft of large vessels (i.e., cargo, tanker), increasing strike risk. High volumes of vessel traffic exist in the Gulf, driven by its role as a major hub for international and national shipping, oil and gas, and commercial fishing activities. An assessment of literature, reports, and data sets that present methods and results related to vessel strike risk for the Rice’s whale was conducted to inform risk assessments and to provide recommendations on future vessel strike risk analyses. https://espis.boem.gov/final%20reports/BOEM_2024-053.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GOVPUB-I-cb97bfd044ffdcb8a0dcf3c801b228… Best wishes, Tre Glenn Donald (Tre) W. Glenn, III, Ph.D., P.E., CFM Protected Species Biologist Consultation Specialist Professional Environmental Engineer National Certified Floodplain Manager Contracting Officer's Representative III Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) GOMR, Office of Environment Mail Stop GM 673E 1201 Elmwood Park Blvd. New Orleans, Louisiana 70123

1 0

New publication: Evaluation of ballistics euthanasia applied to stranded cetaceans using ethological and post-mortem computed tomography assessment
by Rebecca Boys 17 Sep '24

17 Sep '24

Dear MARMAMers, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our recent open access publication in Veterinary Research Communications "Evaluation of ballistics euthanasia applied to stranded cetaceans using ethological and post-mortem computed tomography assessment" Evaluation of ballistics euthanasia applied to stranded cetaceans using ethological and post-mortem computed tomography assessment | Veterinary Research Communications (springer.com)<https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11259-024-10537-3?utm_source=rct…> Abstract: Debilitated stranded cetaceans with low survival likelihood, may require euthanasia to avoid further suffering. Euthanasia can involve chemical or physical methods, including ballistics. Ballistics should cause instantaneous, permanent insensibility through brainstem disruption. Despite wide application, there is limited understanding of ballistics-related welfare outcomes. We opportunistically examined behaviour of three maternally-dependent cetaceans following shooting and the related cranial disruption post-mortem using computed tomography (PMCT). Our aim was to understand whether a ‘humane death’, i.e., euthanasia, was achieved. Each animal was shot using different projectile types: soft non-bonded, solid, and soft bonded. In two animals, insensibility was not immediately assessed following shooting, although both were reported as ‘instantaneously insensible’. From our analysis, all animals displayed musculoskeletal responses to shooting, including peduncle stiffening and slack lower jaw, followed by musculature relaxation 24-, 10.3- and 20.8-seconds post-ballistics, respectively. The animal shot with a soft non-bonded projectile also displayed agonal convulsions and tail-lifting for 16-seconds post-shot; these were not observed for solid or soft bonded projectiles. PMCT findings indicated projectile disruption to the brainstem and/or spinal cord likely to cause near-instantaneous insensibility. However, extra-cranial wounding was also evident for the soft non-bonded projectile, highlighting potential for additional welfare compromise. Our results demonstrate that ballistics can achieve a relatively rapid death in young, stranded cetaceans, but careful equipment selection is required. To ensure a humane death, verification of insensibility must be undertaken immediately following shooting. Further studies should be undertaken to improve knowledge of appropriate procedures and equipment for euthanasia, ensuring humane deaths for compromised cetaceans. Please do contact me if you have any questions. Thank you, Rebecca M Boys On behalf of all co-authors ------------------------------------------------------------- Rebecca M Boys, Ph.D. Marine Biologist Research Associate Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand [cid:ecc53258-caf6-43bb-808c-44e956b26d8d]<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rebecca_Boys> [cid:1bca72c1-60fe-4453-a007-8042980d2e5b] <https://scholar.google.co.nz/citations?hl=en&user=7rHpOpMAAAAJ> [cid:6647dfed-9551-415b-b45d-bea8532374a8] <https://twitter.com/RebeccaMBoys> [cid:33b29a8f-36a7-4418-9e43-d36104159ef7] <https://www.facebook.com/CetaceanEcologyOrg/?__xts__[0]=68.ARBKlWSLR-YC7KHN…> [cid:b7bec6b8-e88d-4497-807b-3a9974d5403a] <https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/explore/research/animal-veterinary/animal/m…> [cid:f65889ae-c3d3-46d5-97a9-2cc156852986] www.cetaceanecology.org/<https://www.cetaceanecology.org/> European Cetacean Society National Contact Person for New Zealand [cid:b08392ed-b082-4395-8d4e-d199116396db] [cid:22c759ff-7b70-4de2-9dc1-6c8afafe7d62] Rebecca Boys (she/her) Senior Scientific Officer | Marine NCEA Marine & Fisheries: Our vision - clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse ocean and seas Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs E: rebecca.boys(a)defra.gov.uk Office location: Horizon House, Bristol Learn more about the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA)<https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/natural-capital-and-ecosystem-as…> programme. If I am sending this email outside of regular working hours, it may be because I’m working flexibly. There is no expectation for you to respond outside of your usual working hours.

1 0

Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Internship - Coastal Cambodia
by Khmer Ocean Life 16 Sep '24

16 Sep '24

Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Internship – Coastal Cambodia Khmer Ocean Life (KOL) is a UK non-profit in partnership with a local NGO Samaky Organisation in Cambodia, based in the coastal town of Kampot. The organization focuses on supporting the conservation of marine mammal species (Irrawaddy dolphins, Indo-pacific humpback dolphins, Indo-pacific finless porpoises, and dugongs), and their habitats, through research, capacity building, community collaboration, and outreach. We are looking for marine mammal research and conservation interns to join the team who can commit to two months: - October - November 2024 - April - May 2025 - Summer Internships 2025 One-month applicants will be considered and long-term applicants are encouraged to apply. Project activities: · observational land surveys · observational boat surveys with community fishers · photo-identification · social science · UAV (drone) surveys · data entry, processing, and analysis · turning findings into reports and articles for peer review · responding to marine mammal bycatch and stranding events · social media and content creation · education and outreach *Basic Internship Training Schedule:* Session 1: Introduction to Khmer Ocean Life Session 2: Research method training on observational land and boat surveying techniques Session 3: Marine mammal identification and behaviour training Session 4: Marine vessel identification training Session 5: Datasheet and data entry training Session 6: Drone footage analysis training Session 7: Theory test Session 8: Photo ID training Session 9: Drone flight training Ongoing sessions: Weekly Khmer language lessons from our wonderful research assistant Nathan Nop Interns are also welcome to conduct their own research or outreach projects with us, depending on interest, skill set, and length of stay. Internship requirements: We are looking for dedicated and motivated interns who would love to join our fantastic team of Khmer and International members. Everybody with a keen interest in marine mammals and their conservation is welcome, including University students, recent graduates, experienced conservationists, and individuals who want to gain experience in marine mammal conservation. Project site & fee description: The project is based in Kampot, Cambodia. The project office and intern accommodation are at the same site. Intern accommodation is fitted with everything you will need, it is very comfortable and right in the heart of the town. All marine mammal research training and accommodation are included in the 600 USD per month fee, but not your food, giving you freedom with your meals and the chance to explore Khmer food as you like. There are limited spaces available, if interested, please send a CV/resume stating your available dates and desired length of stay, to info(a)khmeroceanlife.com Khmer Ocean Life Team @KhmerOceanLife Conservation | Khmer Ocean Life <https://www.khmeroceanlife.com/> [image: KOL Logo.png]

1 0

Bycatch of marine mammals in San Matias Gulf, north Patagonia, Argentina
by Alejandra Romero 16 Sep '24

16 Sep '24

My co-authors and I are excited to share our newest publication on bycatch of marine mammals in San Matias Gulf, north Patagonia, Argentina. Citation: Romero, M. A., Flórez, L., Reinaldo, M. O., Machado, R., Coller, M., & Crespo, E. A. (2024). Bycatch in the balance: the trawl fisheries impact on South American sea lions in San Matias Gulf, with comments on other species. Marine Mammal Science, e13181. The full text is available here: https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.13181 Abstract Bycatch is recognized as the primary threat to the viability of marine mammal populations. Given that bycatch levels display strong variations in space and time, knowledge of individual fishery-marine mammal interaction will likely achieve working solutions. Here, we quantify marine mammal bycatch in the trawl fishery of the San Matías Gulf, Argentina, for the first time using data from onboard observers and fishing effort records. We infer expected annual mortality, evaluate the probability of exceeding conservation thresholds, and explore the importance of relevant covariates to account for broadscale differences in bycatch rates. The South American sea lion (*Otaria byronia*) was the most incidentally caught species (46 individuals), while only one common dolphin (*Delphinus delphis*) was taken. Bycatch of sea lions was primarily associated with the catch of the target species, proximity to colonies, and the identity of the target species. The maximum estimated bycatch rate was 0.12 animals/haul and 0.08 animals/tonne of target species landed, with significantly higher bycatch rates observed in the hake fleet. For the whole period, the annual bycatch mortality were below the reference points. Our findings highlight potential hotspots of marine mammal bycatch and provide valuable insights for refining future mitigation measures and enhancing conservation efforts. Please email me at scoates(a)marecotel.org if you have any questions. The article is not open access, so it is available upon request! Best regards, M. Alejandra Romero -- Dra. María Alejandra Romero Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni" - CONICET, Güemes 1030 – (8520) San Antonio Oeste, Río Negro. Argentina. Escuela Superior de Ciencias Marinas - Universidad Nacional del Comahue (IBMP-UNCo), San Martín 247 – (8520) San Antonio Oeste, Río Negro. Argentina. Tel/Fax: 54 (2934) 421002/430764 Email: romero.ale(a)gmail.com, aromero(a)cenpat-conicet.gob.ar

1 0

Job opportunity with the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program
by Erin R. Bates 16 Sep '24

16 Sep '24

The Virginia Aquarium is currently advertising for an Exhibits Technician II - Stranding Response & Research Scientist. This position is full time and will serve as a working lead within the program's team of staff, volunteers, and interns in assigned areas or during stranding response events working with live and deceased sea turtles and marine mammals. Please follow the link below to see the details of the position or to apply: https://phg.tbe.taleo.net/phg02/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=VBGOV&cws=3… [Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center] <https://virginiaaquarium.com/>

1 0