[MARMAM] New paper quantifying the energy requirements of bowhead whales in West Greenland
Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are happy to announce the publication of the following paper in Polar Biology: Christiansen, F., Tervo, O.M., Heide-Jørgensen, M.P. & Teilmann, J. 2023. Prey consumption of bowhead whales in West Greenland estimated from drone measurements of body size and condition. Polar Biology. doi: 10.1007/s00300-023-03207-8. Abstract: Understanding the energy requirement and prey consumption of Arctic predators is crucial to assess their vulnerability to climate change. The bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) is the largest predator of the Arctic, with Disko Bay in Greenland constituting a major feeding ground for a segment (predominantly larger juveniles and adult non-lactating females) of the Eastern Canada-West Greenland population. We used unmanned aerial vehicle photogrammetry to measure the body size and condition of bowhead whales in Disko Bay during the spring (March 26–June 1, 2022), from which we quantified their energy requirements and prey consumption. Measurements of body length, width and height were used to estimate the body volume and condition of juveniles (50 measurements from 39 individuals) and adults (232 measurements from 154 individuals). The body condition of adults increased at a rate of 0.112 percentage points day−1, or 44.1–87.8 L of blubber day−1 (for lengths 13.0–17.0 m). Using published data from harvested whales, the estimated blubber mass gain was 37.1–73.9 kg day−1, which equals an energy deposition rate of 1.01–2.01 GJ day−1. Body maintenance costs were predicted from allometric models, while activity costs and the heat increment of feeding were derived from published archival tag data. Reported length-at-age curves were used to estimate somatic growth costs. The energy requirements for juveniles and adults were 0.621–0.778 GJ day−1 (for lengths 11.0–12.9 m) and 3.662–7.826 GJ day−1 (for lengths 13.0–17.0 m), respectively, which equals a prey consumption rate of 17–22 kg of prey day−1 (0.1% of body mass) and 102–218 kg day−1 (0.3% of body mass). The paper can be accessed from the following link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-023-03207-8 Best regards, Fredrik Christiansen Senior Researcher Marine Mammal Research, Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark f.christian...@ecos.au.dk<mailto:f.christian...@ecos.au.dk> http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkA5Y3EJ=en=sra http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fredrik_Christiansen3/?ev=hdr_xprf ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] New paper on energy expenditure in southern right whales
Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are happy to announce the publication of the following paper in the Journal of Experimental Biology: Christiansen, F., Sprogis, K.R., Nielsen, M.L.K., Glarou, M. & Bejder, L. 2023. Energy expenditure of southern right whales varies with body size, reproductive state and activity level. Journal of Experimental Biology 226: jeb245137. doi: 10.1242/jeb.245137. Abstract: Quantifying the energy expenditure of animals is critical to understanding the cost of anthropogenic disturbance relative to their overall energy requirements. We used novel drone focal follows (776 follows, 185 individuals) and aerial photogrammetry (5372 measurements, 791 individuals) to measure the respiration rate and body condition loss of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) on a breeding ground in Australia. Respiration rates were converted to oxygen consumption rate and field metabolic rate (FMR) using published bioenergetic models. The intra-seasonal loss in body condition of different reproductive classes (calves, juveniles, adults, pregnant and lactating females) was converted to blubber energy loss and total energy expenditure (TEE). Using these two metrics, we tested the effects of body size, reproductive state and activity level on right whale energy expenditure. Respiration rates and mass-specific FMR decreased exponentially with an increase in body size, as expected based on allometric scaling. FMR increased curvilinearly with an increase in swim speed, probably as a result of increased drag and increased locomotion costs. Respiration rates and FMR were 44% higher for pregnant and lactating females compared with those of adults, suggesting significant costs of fetal maintenance and milk production, respectively. The estimated FMR of adults based on their respiration rates corresponded well with the estimated TEE based on body condition loss. The rate of decline in body condition of pregnant and lactating females was considerably higher than expected based on respiration rates, which probably reflects the milk energy transfer from mothers to calves, which is not reflected in their FMR. The paper can be accessed from the following link: https://journals.biologists.com/jeb/article-abstract/226/13/jeb245137/322683/Energy-expenditure-of-southern-right-whales-varies?redirectedFrom=fulltext Also, check out the pedunculate oak tree that was planted by JEB for this article: https://forest.biologists.com/landscape/?id=84372 What a great initiative! Best regards, Fredrik Christiansen Senior Researcher Marine Mammal Research, Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark f.christian...@ecos.au.dk<mailto:f.christian...@ecos.au.dk> http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkA5Y3EJ=en=sra http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fredrik_Christiansen3/?ev=hdr_xprf ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] New review paper on the development and use of 3D models to study animal (e.g. marine mammal) form
Dear colleagues, On behalf of lead author Duncan Irschick, I am happy to announce the publication of a new review paper in iScience. The methods presented can be used to create 3D models of animals for outreach purposes, but also to study body condition/scaling, computational fluids dynamics and more. Irschick, D.J., Christiansen, F., Hammerschlag, N., Martin, J., Madsen, P.T., Wyneken, J., Brooks, A., Gleiss, A., Fossette, S., Siler, C., Gamble, T., Fish, F., Siebert, U., Patel, J., Kaleogerkis, V., Xu, Z., Medina, J., Mukherji, A., Mandica, M., Zotos, S., Detweiller, J., Perot, B. & Lauder, G. 2022. Re-imagining the Shape of Life: New 3D Visualization Processes for Recreating Organismal Form. iScience 25: 104867. Abstract: The study of biological form is a vital goal of evolutionary biology and functional morphology. We review an emerging set of methods that allow scientists to create and study accurate 3D models of living organisms and animate those models for biomechanical and fluid dynamic analyses. The methods for creating such models include 3D photogrammetry, laser and CT scanning, and 3D software. New multi-camera devices can be used to create accurate 3D models of living animals in the wild and captivity. New websites and virtual reality/augmented reality devices now enable the visualization and sharing of these data. We provide examples of these approaches for animals ranging from large whales to lizards and show applications for several areas: Natural history collections; body condition/scaling, bioinspired robotics, computational fluids dynamics (CFD), machine learning, and education. We provide two datasets to demonstrate the efficacy of CFD and machine learning approaches and conclude with a prospectus. The paper can be accessed and downloaded from the following link: https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(22)01139-7 Best regards, Fredrik Christiansen Assistant Professor Zoophysiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University C.F. Møllers Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark f.christian...@bio.au.dk http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkA5Y3EJ=en=sra http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fredrik_Christiansen3/?ev=hdr_xprf ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] New paper on cost of somatic growth in southern right whales
Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are happy to announce the publication of the following paper in Marine Ecology Progress Series: Christiansen, F., Bejder, L., Burnell, S., Ward, R. & Charlton, C. 2022. Estimating the cost of growth in southern right whales from drone photogrammetry data and long-term sighting histories. Marine Ecology Progress Series 687: 173-194. Abstract: Animal body size and growth patterns play important roles in shaping the life history of species. Baleen whales include the largest animals on the planet, with somatic growth costs expected to be substantial. We used unmanned aerial vehicle photogrammetry and long-term individual sighting histories from photo identification (1991-2019) to estimate the cost of somatic growth for southern right whales (SRWs) Eubalaena australis. A Richards length-at-age growth model was developed, based on 161 calves, 20 yearlings, 1 juvenile and 23 adults, ranging in age from newborn to 27 yr. Predicted lengths were 4.7 m at birth, 12.5 m at minimum age of first parturition (6 yr) and an asymptotic length of 14.3 m. A volume-at-age curve was estimated from the body volume versus length relationship, and converted to a mass-at-age curve, using data on body tissue composition of North Pacific right whales E. japonica (n = 13). The energetic cost of growth was estimated using published estimates of tissue lipid and protein concentrations. The cost of growth for SRWs (in MJ d-1) was 2112 at birth, 544 at 4 mo, 314 at 1 yr (~weaning age), 108 at 5 yr (minimum age of sexual maturity), 51.5 at 10 yr and 5.2 at 30 yr. The cumulative cost to age 30 was 764.3 GJ, but varied widely (458-995 GJ) depending on the tissue energy content. Our estimates represent a healthy SRW population, and provide a baseline to investigate individual and population level impacts of anthropogenic disturbance (including climate change). The paper can be accessed (for subscribers) from the following link: https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v687/p173-194/ If your institute does not have a subscription, feel free to email me and I will send you a copy directly. Best regards, Fredrik Christiansen Assistant Professor Zoophysiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University C.F. Møllers Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark f.christian...@bio.au.dk http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkA5Y3EJ=en=sra http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fredrik_Christiansen3/?ev=hdr_xprf ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] New paper on foetal growth, birth size and energetic cost of gestation in southern right whales
Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are happy to announce the publication of the following paper in the Journal of Physiology: Christiansen, F., Uhart, M.M., Bejder, L., Clapham, P., Ivashchenko, Y., Tormosov, D., Lewin, N. & Sironi, M. 2022. Fetal growth, birth size and energetic cost of gestation in southern right whales. Journal of Physiology https://doi.org/10.1113/JP282351 Abstract: The cost of reproduction greatly affects a species’ life history strategy. Baleen whales exhibit some of the fastest offspring growth rates in the animal kingdom. We quantified the energetic cost of gestation for southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) by combining whaling catch records of pregnant females with photogrammetry data on southern right whale mothers and calves from two breeding grounds in Argentina and Australia. The relationship between calf birth size and maternal length was determined from repeated measurements of individual females before and after giving birth. Fetal growth was determined from generalized linear models fitted to fetal length data from whaling operations between 1961 and 1967. Fetal length was converted to volume and mass, using the volume-to-length relationship of newborn southern right whales calves, and published tissue composition and energy content estimates. Fetal maintenance costs (heat of gestation) and the energy content of the placenta were predicted from published relationships and added to the fetal growth cost to calculate the total cost of gestation. Our findings showed that fetal growth rates and birth size increased linearly with maternal length, with calves being born at ∼35% maternal length. Fetal length increased curvilinearly through gestation, which resulted in an exponential increase in fetal volume and mass. Consequently, the cost of gestation was very low during the first (0.1% of total cost) and second trimester (4.9%), but increased rapidly during the last trimester (95.0%). The heat of gestation incurred the highest cost for pregnant females (73.8%), followed by fetal growth (21.2%) and the placental energy content (5.0%). The paper is open access and can be accessed from the following link: https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1113/JP282351 The article comes with a graphical abstract from what appears to be a 5-year old, and a smug picture of the artist himself. Enjoy! Best regards, Fredrik Christiansen Assistant Professor Zoophysiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University C.F. Møllers Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark f.christian...@bio.au.dk http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkA5Y3EJ=en=sra http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fredrik_Christiansen3/?ev=hdr_xprf ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] New paper on gray whale body condition in relation to the current unusual mortality event
Dear Colleagues, In relation to the unusual mortality event currently experienced by the eastern North Pacific gray whale population, my co-authors and I wish to announce our recent article published in MEPS: Christiansen, F., Rodríguez-González, F., Martínez-Aguilar, S., Urbán, J., Swartz, S., Warick, H., Vivier, F. & Bejder, L. (2021). Poor body condition associated with an unusual mortality event in gray whales. Marine Ecology Progress Series 658: 237-252. Abstract: The eastern North Pacific gray whale Eschrichtius robustus experienced an unusual mortality event (UME) in 2019−2020, with 384 whales found dead along the Pacific coasts of Mexico, USA and Canada. A similar UME in 1999−2000 was speculated to have been caused by starvation, but body condition data were not available to test this hypothesis. Between 2017 and 2019, we used unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and photogrammetry methods to measure the body condition of gray whales in San Ignacio Lagoon, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Body condition was calculated from the residual of the relationship between body volume and length. The body condition of gray whales was significantly lower in 2018 (−11.1%, SE = 1.74, n = 531) and 2019 (−9.7%, SE = 1.76, n = 628) compared to 2017 (n = 59) for all reproductive classes (calves, juveniles, adults and lactating females). Overall, lactating females were in good body condition. The reduction in body condition of whales in 2018−2019 is unlikely to have affected their survival, but could have reduced their reproductive rate by prolonging the post-weaning recovery time. This could explain the low number of mother−calf pairs observed in the San Ignacio Lagoon in 2018 and 2019. For juveniles and adults that arrived in the lagoons with less energy reserves, their reduced body condition may have been close to their survival threshold. This could explain the high proportion of juveniles and adults among the stranded dead whales in 2019−2020. Although the underlying cause of the reduction in gray whale body condition is unknown, starvation likely contributed to the 2019−2020 UME. Please follow this link to access the full article: https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v658/p237-252<https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v658/p237-252/>/ Best regards, Fredrik Christiansen Assistant Professor/Postdoctoral Research Fellow Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies Aarhus University, Denmark +4531332367 f.christian...@aias.au.dk http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkA5Y3EJ=en=sra http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fredrik_Christiansen3/?ev=hdr_xprf ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] New paper on creating accurate 3D models of small cetaceans (i.e. harbour porpoises)
Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are happy to announce the publication of the following paper in Marine Mammal Science: Irschick, D.J., Martin, J., Siebert, U., Kristensen, J.H., Madsen, P.T. & Christiansen, F. 2020. Creation of accurate 3D models of harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) using 3D photogrammetry. Marine Mammal Science DOI: 10./mms.12759. Abstract: Creating accurate 3D models of marine mammals is valuable for assessment of body condition, computational fluids dynamics models of locomotion, and for education. However, the methods for creating 3D models are not well-developed. We used photography and video to create 3D photogrammetry models of harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). We accessed one live adult female (155.5 cm total length), and two dead animals, one juvenile (110 cm total length) and one calf (88 cm total length). We accessed the two dead individuals through a stranding network in Germany, and the live individual through the Fjord and Baelt research center in Denmark. For all porpoises, we used still photographs from handheld cameras, drone video, and synchronized GoPro videos to create 3D photogrammetric models. We used Blender software, and other 3D reconstruction software, to recreate the 3D body meshes, and confirmed the accuracy of each of the 3D body meshes by comparing digital measures on the 3D models to original measures taken on the specimens. We also provide a colored, animated version of the live harbor porpoise for educational purposes. These open-access 3D models can be used to develop methods to study body morphometrics and condition, and to study bioenergetics and locomotion costs. The paper can be accessed from the following link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10./mms.12759?af=R This study was done in collaboration with the Digital Life Project at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and CG artist Martin Johnson, who created the 3D models of the porpoises. To access the 3D mesh models of the three harbour porpoises, you can follow these links: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/model-75b-harbor-porpoise-mesh-only-afca5402440d437d9db32dd003c1aaef https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/model-76-dead-harbor-porpoise-1-b9bc8de2b0be440c8a5159a17892e74e https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/model-77-dead-harbor-porpoise-2-64d32cb647e7405a9104a22b6d238c90 To access a full colour 3D model of a harbour porpoise you can follow this link: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/model-75a-harbor-porpoise-eb02e57f17d741329a66844a3a8d2094 For more information about the 3D modelling technique or for access to the harbour porpoise 3D models for research or education purposes, please contact the lead author Duncan J. Irschick (irsch...@bio.umass.edu). Best regards, Fredrik Christiansen Assistant Professor/Postdoctoral Research Fellow Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies Aarhus University, Denmark +4531332367 f.christian...@aias.au.dk http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkA5Y3EJ=en=sra http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fredrik_Christiansen3/?ev=hdr_xprf ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] New paper: Southern right whales show no behavioral response to low noise levels from a nearby unmanned aerial vehicle
Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are happy to announce the publication of the following paper in Marine Mammal Science: Christiansen F, Nielsen MLK, Charlton C, Bejder L, Madsen PT. Southern right whales show no behavioral response to low noise levels from a nearby unmanned aerial vehicle. Mar Mam Sci. 2020;1–11. https://doi.org/10./mms.12699 ABSTRACT: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly used for wildlife research and monitoring, but little information exists on their potential effect on marine mammals. We assessed the effects of a UAV on the behavior of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) in Australia. Focal follows of ten right whale mother-calf pairs were conducted using a theodolite. Control data were recorded for 30 min, and then a DJI Inspire 1 Pro was flown above the whales for 10 min at 5 m altitude. Potential changes to horizontal behavior (swim speed and turning angle) and surfacing pattern (interbreath intervals) were investigated by comparing mother-calf behavior before and during UAV approaches. Changes in respiration rate were used to quantify energetic effects. We also explored acoustic cue perceptibility of the UAV at 5, 10, and 30 m altitude, by measuring the received UAV underwater noise level on whales equipped with acoustic tags (DTAGs). The received noise levels were 86.0 ± 3.9 dB re 1 μPa, while the measured ambient noise was 80.7 ± 7.3 dB re 1 μPa in the same frequency band (100–1,500 Hz). No behavioral response to the UAV was observed. This provides support for UAVs as a noninvasive tool to study baleen whale behavior and ecophysiology. Here is a link to the full article: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10./mms.12699 Best regards, Fredrik Christiansen Assistant Professor/Postdoctoral Research Fellow Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies Aarhus University, Denmark +4531332367 f.christian...@aias.au.dk http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkA5Y3EJ=en=sra http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fredrik_Christiansen3/?ev=hdr_xprf ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] New paper: Population comparison of right whale body condition reveals poor state of the North Atlantic right whale
Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are happy to announce the publication of the following paper in Marine Ecology Progress Series: Christiansen, F., Dawson, S.M., Durban, J.W., Fearnbach, H., Miller, C.A., Bejder, L., Uhart, M., Sironi, M., Corkeron, P., Rayment, W., Leunissen, E., Haria, E., Ward, R., Warick, H.A., Kerr, I., Lynn, M.S., Pettis, H.M., Moore, M.J. 2020. Population comparison of right whale body condition reveals poor state of the North Atlantic right whale. Marine Ecology Progress Series 640: 1-16. ABSTRACT: The North Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis (NARW), currently numbering <410 individuals, is on a trajectory to extinction. Although direct mortality from ship strikes and fishing gear entanglements remain the major threats to the population, reproductive failure, resulting from poor body condition and sublethal chronic entanglement stress, is believed to play a crucial role in the population decline. Using photogrammetry from unmanned aerial vehicles, we conducted the largest population assessment of right whale body condition to date, to determine if the condition of NARWs was poorer than 3 seemingly healthy (i.e. growing) populations of southern right whales E. australis (SRWs) in Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. We found that NARW juveniles, adults and lactating females all had lower body condition scores compared to the SRW populations. While some of the difference could be the result of genetic isolation and adaptations to local environmental conditions, the magnitude suggests that NARWs are in poor condition, which could be suppressing their growth, survival, age of sexual maturation and calving rates. NARW calves were found to be in good condition. Their body length, however, was strongly determined by the body condition of their mothers, suggesting that the poor condition of lactating NARW females may cause a reduction in calf growth rates. This could potentially lead to a reduction in calf survival or an increase in female calving intervals. Hence, the poor body condition of individuals within the NARW population is of major concern for its future viability. The paper is the feature article of MEPS, and hence open-access. Here is a link to the feature article: https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v640/feature<https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v640/feature/>/ Here is a link to the full article: https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v640/p1-16/ Best regards, Fredrik Christiansen Assistant Professor/Postdoctoral Research Fellow Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies Aarhus University, Denmark +4531332367 f.christian...@aias.au.dk http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkA5Y3EJ=en=sra http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fredrik_Christiansen3/?ev=hdr_xprf ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] New paper comparing morphological body condition (drone photogrammetry) with outer blubber lipid concentration (biopsy sampling) in humpback whales
Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our recent article published in JEB: Christiansen, F., Sprogis, K. R., Gross, J., Castrillon, J., Warick, H. A., Leunissen, E., & Bengtson Nash, S. (2020). Variation in outer blubber lipid concentrations does not reflect morphological body condition in humpback whales. Journal of Experimental Biology. doi: 10.1242/jeb.213769 Abstract: An animal’s body condition provides valuable information for ecophysiological studies, and is an important measure of fitness in population monitoring and conservation. While both the external body shape of an animal and its internal tissues (i.e. fat content) can be used as a measure of body condition, the relationship between the two is not always linear. We compared the morphological body condition (external metric obtained through aerial photogrammetry) of migrating humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) with their outer blubber lipid concentration (internal metric obtained through blubber biopsy sampling) off the coast of south-west Australia early and late in the breeding season (spanning ∼4.5 months). The external body condition index of juvenile and adult humpback whales decreased by 26.9 (from 18.8% to −8.1%) and 12.0 percentage points (from 8.6% to −3.4%), respectively, between the early and late phase. In contrast, we found no intra-seasonal change in blubber lipid concentration, and no difference between reproductive classes (juveniles, adults and lactating females); however, the small sample size prevented us from effectively testing these effects. Importantly, however, in the 33 animals for which paired metrics were obtained, we found no correlation between the morphometric body condition index and the blubber lipid concentration of individual whales. The lack of a linear relationship suggests that changes in outer blubber lipid concentration do not reflect external changes in body shape, thus limiting the utility of outer blubber lipid reserves for individual body condition evaluation. The wider spectrum of change in body morphometry captured with aerial photogrammetry supports the use of body morphometry as a reliable and well-tested method. Please email for the full text and supplementary material, otherwise the full text can be downloaded here https://jeb.biologists.org/content/223/8/jeb213769 Best regards, Fredrik Christiansen Assistant Professor/Postdoctoral Research Fellow Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies Aarhus University, Denmark +4531332367 f.christian...@aias.au.dk http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkA5Y3EJ=en=sra http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fredrik_Christiansen3/?ev=hdr_xprf ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] New paper on estimating body mass of free-living whales using drone photogrammetry and 3D modelling
Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are happy to announce the publication of the following paper in Methods in Ecology and Evolution: Christiansen, F., Sironi, M., Moore, M.J., Di Martino, M., Ricciardi, M., Warick, H.A. & Uhart, M.M. 2019. Estimating body mass of free-living whales using aerial photogrammetry and 3D volumetrics. Methods in Ecology and Evolution: 1-11. DOI: /10./2041-210X.13298 In this study we used unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, to measure the body shape (length, width and height) of southern right whales in Península Valdés, Argentina, from which we estimated body volume. We also calculated the body girth of the free-living whales, and developed a model to predict body volume from body length and girths. Using this model we then predicted the volume of North Pacific right whales caught in whaling operations, for which body length, girth and mass was known. From this we could calculate a volume-to-mass conversion factor, or body density, of the dead whales, which we then applied to the free-living southern right whales to calculate their body mass. Please find the abstract and a link to the paper below: Abstract: 1. Body mass is a key life�\history trait in animals. Despite being the largest animals on the planet, no method currently exists to estimate body mass of free�\living whales. 2. We combined aerial photographs and historical catch records to estimate the body mass of free�\living right whales (Eubalaena sp.). First, aerial photogrammetry from unmanned aerial vehicles was used to measure the body length, width (lateral distance) and height (dorso�\ventral distance) of free�\living southern right whales (Eubalaena australis; 48 calves, seven juveniles and 31 lactating females). From these data, body volume was estimated by modelling the whales as a series of infinitely small ellipses. The body girth of the whales was next calculated at three measurement sites (across the pectoral fin, the umbilicus and the anus) and a linear model was developed to predict body volume from the body girth and length data. To obtain a volume�\to�\mass conversion factor, this model was then used to estimate the body volume of eight lethally caught North Pacific right whales (Eubalaena japonica), for which body mass was measured. This conversion factor was consequently used to predict the body mass of the free�\living whales. 3. The cross�\sectional body shape (height�Cwidth ratio) of the whales was slightly flattened dorso�\ventrally at the anterior end of the body, almost circular in the mid region, and significantly flattened in the lateral plane across the posterior half of the body. Compared to a circular cross�\sectional model, our body mass model incorporating body length, width and height improved mass estimates by up to 23.6% (mean = 6.1%, SD = 5.27). Our model had a mean error of only 1.6% (SD = 0.012), compared to 9.5% (SD = 7.68) for a simpler body length�\to�\mass model. The volume�\to�\mass conversion factor was estimated at 754.63 kg/m3 (SD = 50.03). Predicted body mass estimates were within a close range of existing body mass measurements. 4. We provide a non�\invasive method to accurately estimate body mass of free�\living whales while accounting for both their structural size (body length) and relative body condition (body width). Our approach can be directly applied to other marine mammals by adjusting the model parameters (body mass model script provided). The paper can be accessed from the following link: https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10./2041-210X.13298 This study was done in collaboration with the Digital Life Project at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and CG artist Robert Gutierrez, which created a 3D model of a southern right whale. To access the 3D mesh model of a right whale you can follow this link: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/model-55b-3d-mesh-southern-right-whale-e0eaf794df2045c28e703219dcddcf56 To access a full colour 3D model of a southern right whale you can follow this link: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/model-55a-southern-right-whale-3bddfdfafc6c43758df9b94bc9e0fe9e Best regards, Fredrik Christiansen Assistant Professor/Postdoctoral Research Fellow Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies Aarhus University, Denmark +4531332367 f.christian...@aias.au.dk http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkA5Y3EJ=en=sra http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fredrik_Christiansen3/?ev=hdr_xprf ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] VOLUNTEER NEEDED FOR LAND BASED BODY CONDITION STUDY ON SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALES USING UAVS
VOLUNTEER NEEDED FOR LAND BASED BODY CONDITION STUDY ON SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALES USING UAVS The Aquatic Megafauna Research Unit (AMRU) at Murdoch University, Perth, Australia, is looking for a volunteer to assist land based Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) research on Southern right whales at the Head of the Bight, South Australia, between the 25th of June and the 28th of September 2019. Only applicants available for the entire duration of the project will be considered, as access to the field site is difficult. The research project aims to investigate Southern right whale body condition on their South Australian breeding/nursing grounds, as part of larger research project looking into baleen whale health (https://amru.org.au/southern-right-whale-body-condition-on-breeding-grounds/). To measure body condition, aerial photographs of the whales will be collected using an UAV operated from the cliffs overlooking the Great Australian Bight. The UAV will be operated by the chief scientist due to strict regulations in Australia. Duties include cliff based searches for right whales, observation of right whale behavioural responses during UAV approaches, and looking for raptor birds that could intervene with UAV operations. The research assistant will also be expected to help out with data entry, processing and measurements of body morphometrics from UAV photographs. This is an unpaid position and the successful candidate will have to cover the costs of transport to and from Perth, Western Australia, from where the research team will depart on the 26th of June and return to on the 27th of September. The person will also have to provide their own travel insurance. Accommodation will be provided in the form of a shared caravan that will also function as an office. This will be shared with another researcher. The caravan will be parked at the Nullarbor Road House which has toilet and shower facilities, a small convenience store, a café and a restaurant. Food expenses will be covered by the project. Phone reception is good at the Nullarbor Road House, but very limited at the field site. Internet is limited and expensive (do not expect to stream/download larger files or skype), and will be provided for research purposes only. The Head of the Bight study area is very remote and isolated place (arid conditions) with very limited resources and communication. During the austral winter, bad weather is expected and will prevent UAV operations on approximately 50% of the days, so be prepared to stay indoors for extended periods of time. Due to the restricted living conditions it is essential that the candidate is able to live and work closely with the other researchers, is tolerant and respectful towards others and had a positive attitude. Strong work ethic and the ability to endure extended periods of office based work during periods of bad weather condition are essential. People with previous experience living in remote places and/or experience flying UAVs will be given priority. The person needs to be fluent in English and bring their own laptop computer (preferably a PC). The Head of Bight is a beautiful and pristine environment with amazing wildlife, where right whales can be observed very close to shore. In addition to whales you might be lucky to see wombats, dingo’s, white-bellied sea eagles, wedge-tailed eagles, pink cockatoos, bobtail lizards, brown snakes, sea lions, little penguins, dolphins and white sharks. Please apply by sending your CV (2 pages maximum) and cover letter (1 page) with the names and contact details of at least three professional references to f.christian...@murdoch.edu.au<mailto:f.christian...@murdoch.edu.au> Best regards, Dr Fredrik Christiansen Assistant Professor Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, Aarhus University, Denmark Aquatic Megafauna Research Unit, Murdoch University, Australia +45 31332367, f.christian...@murdoch.edu.au ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] VOLUNTEER NEEDED FOR LAND BASED BODY CONDITION STUDY ON SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALES USING UAVS
VOLUNTEER NEEDED FOR LAND BASED BODY CONDITION STUDY ON SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALES USING UAVS The Aquatic Megafauna Research Unit (AMRU) at Murdoch University, Perth, Australia, is looking for a volunteer to assist land based Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) research on Southern right whales at the Head of the Bight, South Australia, between the 20th of June and the 28th of September 2019. Only applicants available for the entire duration of the project will be considered, as access to the field site is difficult. The research project aims to investigate Southern right whale body condition on their South Australian breeding/nursing grounds, as part of larger research project looking into baleen whale health (https://amru.org.au/southern-right-whale-body-condition-on-breeding-grounds/). To measure body condition, aerial photographs of the whales will be collected using an UAV operated from the cliffs overlooking the Great Australian Bight. The UAV will be operated by the chief scientist due to strict regulations in Australia. Duties include cliff based searches for right whales, observation of right whale behavioural responses during UAV approaches, and looking for raptor birds that could intervene with UAV operations. The research assistant will also be expected to help out with data entry, processing and measurements of body morphometrics from UAV photographs. This is an unpaid position and the successful candidate will have to cover the costs of transport to and from Perth, Western Australia, from where the research team will depart on the 21st of June and return to on the 27th of September. The person will also have to provide their own travel insurance. Accommodation will be provided in the form of a shared caravan that will also function as an office. This will be shared with another researcher. The caravan will be parked at the Nullarbor Road House which has toilet and shower facilities, a small convenience store, a café and a restaurant. Food expenses will be covered by the project. Phone reception is good at the Nullarbor Road House, but very limited at the field site. Internet is limited and expensive (do not expect to stream/download larger files or skype), and will be provided for research purposes only. The Head of the Bight study area is very remote and isolated place (arid conditions) with very limited resources and communication. During the austral winter, bad weather is expected and will prevent UAV operations on approximately 50% of the days, so be prepared to stay indoors for extended periods of time. Due to the restricted living conditions it is essential that the candidate is able to live and work closely with the other researchers, is tolerant and respectful towards others and had a positive attitude. Strong work ethic and the ability to endure extended periods of office based work during periods of bad weather condition are essential. People with previous experience living in remote places and/or experience flying UAVs will be given priority. The person needs to be fluent in English and bring their own laptop computer (preferably a PC). The Head of Bight is a beautiful and pristine environment with amazing wildlife, where right whales can be observed very close to shore. In addition to whales you might be lucky to see wombats, dingo’s, white-bellied sea eagles, wedge-tailed eagles, pink cockatoos, bobtail lizards, brown snakes, sea lions, little penguins, dolphins and white sharks. Please apply by sending your CV (2 pages maximum) and cover letter (1 page) with the names and contact details of at least three professional references to f.christian...@murdoch.edu.au<mailto:f.christian...@murdoch.edu.au> Best regards, Dr Fredrik Christiansen Assistant Professor Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, Aarhus University, Denmark Aquatic Megafauna Research Unit, Murdoch University, Australia +45 31332367, f.christian...@murdoch.edu.au ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] New paper on maternal body condition and calf growth in southern right whales
Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are happy to announce the publication of the following paper in Marine Ecology Progress Series: Christiansen, F., Vivier, F., Charlton, C., Ward, R., Amerson, A., Burnell, S. & Bejder, L. 2018. Maternal body size and condition determine calf growth rates in southern right whales. Marine Ecology Progress Series 592:267-282. In this study we used unmanned aerial vehicles to repeatedly measure the body size and condition of southern right whale mother and calf pairs through an entire breeding season in South Australia. Apart from the biological findings, the methodology used in this paper should be of interest to anyone interested in UAV photogrammetry work. The paper and supplementary materials detail the many aspects that need to be considered when doing UAV photogrammetry work on whales, including data filtering based on picture grading, error estimations, identifying minimum sample size and duration for estimating growth, and how to account for errors in sensitivity analyses etc.. Please find the abstract and a link to the paper below: Abstract: The cost of reproduction is a key parameter determining a species’ life history strategy. Despite exhibiting some of the fastest offspring growth rates among mammals, the cost of reproduction in baleen whales is largely unknown since standard field metabolic techniques cannot be applied. We quantified the cost of reproduction for southern right whales Eubalaena australis over a 3 mo breeding season. We did this by determining the relationship between calf growth rate and maternal rate of loss in energy reserves, using repeated measurements of body volume obtained from unmanned aerial vehicle photogrammetry. We recorded 1118 body volume estimates from 40 female and calf pairs over 40 to 89 d. Calves grew at a rate of 3.2 cm d−1 (SD = 0.45) in body length and 0.081 m3 d−1 (SD = 0.011) in body volume, while females decreased in volume at a rate of 0.126 m3 d−1 (SD = 0.036). The average volume conversion efficiency from female to calf was 68% (SD = 16.91). Calf growth rate was positively related to the rate of loss in maternal body volume, suggesting that maternal volume loss is proportional to the energy investment into her calf. Maternal investment was determined by her body size and condition, with longer and more rotund females investing more volume into their calves compared to shorter and leaner females. Lactating females lost on average 25%of their initial body volume over the 3 mo breeding season. This study demonstrates the considerable energetic cost that females face during the lactation period, and highlights the importance of sufficient maternal energy reserves for reproduction in this capital breeding species. The paper can be accessed from the following link: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v592/p267-281/ Best regards, Fredrik Christiansen Postdoctoral Research Fellow Cetacean Research Unit, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia +61 417 502 098, f.christian...@murdoch.edu.au<mailto:f.christian...@murdoch.edu.au>, twitter: @FChristiansen83 http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkA5Y3EJ=en=sra http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fredrik_Christiansen3/?ev=hdr_xprf ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] New study investigating the underwater noise impacts of UAVs on marine mammals
Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are happy to announce the publication of the following paper in Frontiers in Marine Science: Christiansen F, Rojano-Doñate L, Madsen PT and Bejder L (2016) Noise Levels of Multi-Rotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicles with Implications for Potential Underwater Impacts on Marine Mammals. Front. Mar. Sci. 3:277. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2016.00277 Abstract: Despite the rapid increase in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in marine mammal research, knowledge of the effects of UAVs on study animals is very limited. We recorded the in-air and in-water noise from two commonly used multi-rotor UAVs, the SwellPro Splashdrone and the DJI Inspire 1 Pro, to assess the potential for negative noise effects of UAV use. The Splashdrone and Inspire UAVs produced broad-band in-air source levels of 80 dB re 20 ?Pa and 81 dB re 20 ?Pa (rms), with fundamental frequencies centered at 60 Hz and 150 Hz. The noise of the UAVs coupled poorly into the water, and could only be quantified above background noise of the recording sites at 1 m depth when flying at altitudes of 5 and 10 m, resulting in broad-band received levels around 95 dB re ?Pa rms for the Splashdrone and around 101 dB re ?Pa rms for the Inspire. The third octave levels of the underwater UAV noise profiles are (i) close to ambient noise levels in many shallow water habitats, (ii) largely below the hearing thresholds at low frequencies of toothed whales, but (iii) likely above the hearing thresholds of baleen whales and pinnipeds. So while UAV noise may be heard by some marine mammals underwater, it is implied that the underwater noise effect is small, even for animals close to the water surface. Our findings will be valuable for wildlife managers and regulators when issuing permits and setting guidelines for UAV operations. Further, our experimental setup can be used by others to evaluate noise effects of larger sized UAVs on marine mammals. A copy of the paper can be downloaded for free from: <http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmars.2016.00277/fu>http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmars.2016.00277/full [http://www.frontiersin.org/files/MyHome%20Article%20Library/223318/223318_Thumb_400.jpg]<http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmars.2016.00277/full> Noise Levels of Multi-Rotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicles with Implications for Potential Underwater Impacts on Marine Mammals<http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmars.2016.00277/full> journal.frontiersin.org Despite the rapid increase in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in marine mammal research, knowledge of the effects of UAVs on study animals is very limited. We recorded the in-air and in-water noise from two commonly used multi-rotor UAVs, the SwellPro Splashdrone and the DJI Inspire 1 Pro, to assess the potential for negative noise effects of UAV use. The Splashdrone and Inspire UAVs produced broad-band in-air source levels of 80 dB re 20µPa and 81 dB re 20µPa (rms), with fundamental frequencies centered at 60 Hz and 150 Hz. The noise of the UAVs coupled poorly into the water, and could only be quantified above background noise of the recording sites at 1m depth when flying at altitudes of 5 and 10m, resulting in broad-band received levels around 95 dB re µPa rms for the Splashdrone and around 101 dB re µPa rms for the Inspire. The third octave levels of the underwater UAV noise profiles are i) close to ambient noise levels in many shallow water habitats, ii) largely below the hearing threshold Best regards, Fredrik Christiansen Postdoctoral Research Fellow Cetacean Research Unit, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia +61 417 502 098, f.christian...@murdoch.edu.au<mailto:f.christian...@murdoch.edu.au>, twitter: @FChristiansen83 http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkA5Y3EJ=en=sra http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fredrik_Christiansen3/?ev=hdr_xprf ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] HUMPBACK WHALE RESEARCH ASSISTANT OPPORTUNITY
HUMPBACK WHALE RESEARCH ASSISTANT OPPORTUNITY The marine mammal research group at Stockholm University, Sweden, will conduct boat based humpback whale research between July and September 2008 in the coastal waters of Zanzibar, Tanzania. The overall aim of the study is to initiate a long term monitoring program of humpback whales in Tanzania and provide a good basis for management and conservation. There is an opportunity for one person to participate in this research as a research assistant during July and August 2008. The research assistant will assist in collecting photo-ID data, biopsy sampling; behavioural and environmental data and acoustic recordings. The research assistant will also assist in other tasks, both at sea and on land. The successful candidate will have a strong interest in cetacean research and conservation. Prior fieldwork and/or boating experience are desired. The candidate must be able to work for long hours (up to 10 hours a day) in rough weather conditions in a hot and humid tropical climate and be robust against sea-sickness. The candidate must also be able to cope with basic living conditions (no air condition and cold showers) in a developing country. Previous experience of similar sort will therefore be given preference. The candidate must be available between around the 10th of July and the 15th of August, but is welcome to stay on for longer after this date. Unfortunately, this is not a paid position and the successful candidate must be able to afford his/her own flight ticket, tourist VISA (50 USD), vaccinations, insurance and food. Accommodation will be provided. This is a good opportunity to gain valuable experience in the field of cetacean research, suitable for anyone that is planning to pursue a career in cetacean research or similar fields. Zanzibar and its surrounding waters host a beautiful nature and a rich marine life. Living in a local village at the south coast of Zanzibar also provides a unique opportunity to get in close contact with the local community and residents in this region of Africa. Anyone interested should email Fredrik Christiansen (see below) immediately, with a cover letter, CV and the names of two referees and contact details. Any questions regarding the research can be sent to the same address. Please, make sure to be specific about your previous experiences in cetacean research, living/visiting developing countries, previous boat experience (sea-sickness etc). I am looking forward to receiving your application. Best regards, Fredrik Christiansen Department of Zoology Stockholm University Sweden Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] _ Skapa dina egna uttryckssymboler till Messenger! www.windowslive.se/dinegensmiley ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
