[MARMAM] Whales and dolphins of the Adriatic Sea
Dear colleagues, we just published a longish review on whales and dolphins in the Adriatic Sea, which aims to provide a reference and a road map for anyone working on in this region. We describe the main threats to Adriatic cetaceans and provide conservation suggestions. Open access download: https://acta.izor.hr/acta/pdf/65_1_pdf/65_1_1.pdf Bearzi G., Bonizzoni S., Genov T., Notarbartolo di Sciara G. (2024) Whales and dolphins of the Adriatic Sea: present knowledge, threats and conservation. Acta Adriatica 65(1). https://doi.org/10.32582/aa.65.1.1 ABSTRACT – The Adriatic Sea is one of the Mediterranean areas most exposed to cumulative human stressors. This semi-enclosed and largely shallow basin has been subjected to intensive exploitation and destructive fishing practices for decades, resulting in biodiversity decline and poor ecosystem health. Diversity of cetaceans is lower than in other parts of the Mediterranean, and the extant dolphins and whales have been facing threats that include the combined effects of habitat loss and degradation, prey depletion, incidental mortality and injury caused by fisheries, anthropogenic noise, chemical contamination and climate change. Here, we report information for the nine cetacean species known to occur in the basin (classified as either regular, visitor or vagrant), plus three species characterized by a single record. For these species, we review evidence from field research and other studies – with a bias towards the common bottlenose dolphin *Tursiops truncatus* (by far the most intensively-studied cetacean in this area). We also describe and characterize the main threats to cetaceans in the Adriatic, relying on recent literature as well as historical information that helps frame the present status of cetaceans in the context of past human impacts (particularly the extensive killing campaigns conducted until the 1960s). Finally, we provide management recommendations to inform and guide the action that must be taken in compliance with extant legislation, marine conservation directives and international commitments to protect marine biodiversity. Best wishes, Giovanni Bearzi http://www.dolphinbiology.org/people/giovanni_bearzi.htm ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Social and community structure of striped dolphins
Dear colleagues, a recently-published article attempted to unveil the social structure of striped dolphins based on photo-identification records. The new study, published in the journal Marine Mammal Science, supports the current Red List classification of striped dolphins as Endangered in the Gulf of Corinth, Greece. The study benefited from a time-space method to define associations, which was originally developed for bottlenose dolphins in the same area. You may email me, or the lead author Silvia Bonizzoni (silvia.bonizz...@gmail.com), to request a pdf copy of this article. Cheers, Giovanni --- Bonizzoni, S., Santostasi, N. L., Eddy, L., Riley, M. A., Ferreira da Silveira, M., Würsig, B., & Bearzi, G. (2023). Social and community structure of striped dolphins in a semienclosed Mediterranean embayment. Marine Mammal Science, 1-21. https://doi.org/10./mms.13060 ABSTRACT - Descriptions of social structure of a species or population help to understand the processes that shaped its social system, and such knowledge can be valuable in terms of conservation planning. While striped dolphins Stenella coeruleoalba are among the most abundant cetacean species worldwide, and the most abundant in the Mediterranean Sea, their social and community structure is poorly known. This study investigates the association patterns of a population inhabiting the Gulf of Corinth, Greece. A total of 501 individuals were photo-identified across 7 years (2011-2017). Groups were significantly larger (M = 44.7, SD = 46.3) than those studied to date in other Mediterranean areas. Association analyses in SOCPROG relied on the time and position metadata of dorsal fin photographs. Results indicated a single community characterized by nonrandom associations and a loose clustering of individuals (best division into clusters corresponded to an association index of 0.02). The high degree of social cohesion may result in part from geographic isolation within a semienclosed basin. This information can inform management action to protect a demographically isolated population classified as Endangered in the IUCN Red List, within a European Union Site of Community Importance regarded as an Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA). - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi http://www.dolphinbiology.org/people/giovanni_bearzi.htm ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Bottlenose dolphin distribution in a Mediterranean area exposed to intensive trawling
Dear colleagues, our latest work on the effects of trawling on bottlenose dolphins has been published in Marine Environmental Research. Bonizzoni S., Gramolini R., Furey N.B., Bearzi G. 2023. Bottlenose dolphin distribution in a Mediterranean area exposed to intensive trawling. Marine Environmental Research 188, 105993. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.105993 ABSTRACT – The Adriatic Sea is one of the areas most exposed to trawling, worldwide. We used four years (2018–2021) and 19,887 km of survey data to investigate factors influencing daylight dolphin distribution in its north-western sector, where common bottlenose dolphins *Tursiops truncatus* routinely follow fishing trawlers. We validated Automatic Identification System information on the position, type and activity of three types of trawlers based on observations from boats, and incorporated this information in a GAM-GEE modelling framework, together with physiographic, biological and anthropogenic variables. Along with bottom depth, trawlers (particularly otter and midwater trawlers) appeared to be important drivers of dolphin distribution, with dolphins foraging and scavenging behind trawlers during 39.3% of total observation time in trawling days. The spatial dimension of dolphin adaptations to intensive trawling, including distribution shifts between days with and without trawling, sheds light on the magnitude of ecological change driven by the trawl fishery. The paper will be freely available at the link below until June 8, 2023: https://authors.elsevier.com/c/1gxjAW5UJNpY0 Alternatively, you may request a pdf copy to the first author, Silvia Bonizzoni We would welcome any feedback or suggestions! Cheers, Giovanni Bearzi ——— http://www.dolphinbiology.org/people/giovanni_bearzi.htm ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Bottlenose dolphins share fish farm areas while maintaining sexual segregation: investigating group memberships through spatially and temporally explicit parameters
A new article on bottlenose dolphin social structure, proposing a relatively novel method to define associations, has just been published in Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. You are welcome to contact the first author to request a pdf copy. Bonizzoni S., Genov T., Bearzi G. 2022. Bottlenose dolphins share fish farm areas while maintaining sexual segregation: investigating group memberships through spatially and temporally explicit parameters. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3908 ABSTRACT 1. Group membership is a key attribute of animal societies and central to the study of social structure in several taxa. However, social structure analyses are sensitive to the way data are collected and associations defined. 2. In this study, a time–space method was used to investigate the social structure of common bottlenose dolphins *Tursiops truncatus* observed and photographed across 7 years in the semi-enclosed Gulf of Corinth, Greece. Instead of adopting traditional group definitions, individuals were considered as being members of the same group if photographed within a specific time and space window. This approach can be applied post hoc across studies and can offer advantages under challenging sampling conditions (e.g. when dealing with groups spread over vast areas or when group membership is otherwise hard to assess). 3. Dolphins were mostly found around coastal cage aquaculture facilities farming European sea bass *Dicentrarchus labrax* and gilthead seabream *Sparus aurata*. 4. Dolphins formed clusters largely or entirely composed of individuals of the same sex, suggestive of sex-based homophily. Habitat partitioning was not detected: there was substantial spatial overlap among dolphin clusters, with all individuals using a relatively small area in the northern portion of the Gulf, where most of the productive fish farms were located. Associations between females were stronger than those between males, and daughters tended to stay in the group of their mothers. 5. Sex-based social clustering may allow females and calves to limit interactions with potentially aggressive males, while individuals of both sexes benefit from prey concentrated around fish farms. 6. Adaptation to foraging around farms can result in trade-offs between the costs and benefits of nourishment and social interaction. This may have both positive or negative effects on the animals that should be considered in the context of ensuring their favourable conservation status. - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi http://www.dolphinbiology.org/people/giovanni_bearzi.htm ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Marine mammals foraging around fishing gear or preying on fishing catch and bait: it may not be 'depredation'
A new essay on marine mammal 'depredation' has just been published in the ICES Journal of Marine Science (free download): - Bearzi G, Reeves RR (2022) Marine mammals foraging around fishing gear or preying on fishing catch and bait: it may not be 'depredation'. ICES Journal of Marine Science, fsac173. - https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/advance-article/doi/10.1093/icesjms/fsac173/6724454 - https://tinyurl.com/mry2jvc4 - ABSTRACT — Some populations of marine mammals (particularly odontocete cetaceans, and pinnipeds) have responded to the expansion of fisheries by modifying their behaviour to take advantage of the foraging opportunities provided by fishing. This has led to interactions that include forms of 'depredation', referring to the removal of, or damage to, marketable organisms as well as bait from fishing gear. The current scientific and technical usage of depredate or depredation appears inconsistent with some of the meanings found in dictionaries, such as to plunder (typically using force), pillage, ravage, lay waste, despoil, destroy, commit waste, or ransack. We suggest that the use of 'depredation' when referring to marine mammal behaviour could strengthen misperception and misunderstanding, hardening notions that they are unfairly taking or destroying what is ours. Though most contemporary researchers do not mean to imply that predators are 'stealing our fish', continued reference to the mammals’ behaviour as depredation may reinforce, at least in some minds, the belief that fish and other marine resources 'belong' only to humans. Alternative wording would help to prevent ambiguity in communications, especially outside the scientific community, and preserve recognition of the ecological roles that large marine predators play. --- You are welcome to contact the first author to request a pdf copy (or share your thoughts on the essay): Giovanni Bearzi ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Odontocete cetaceans foraging behind trawlers, worldwide
Dear colleagues, we just published a comprehensive 51-pp review on cetaceans foraging behind trawlers, worldwide. For a pdf please contact the first author, Silvia Bonizzoni . Bonizzoni S., Hamilton S., Reeves R.R., Genov T., Bearzi G. 2022. Odontocete cetaceans foraging behind trawlers, worldwide. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11160-022-09712-z ABSTRACT Several populations of odontocete cetaceans, including at least 19 species, have modified their behavior and adapted to foraging in association with trawlers. We review information on odontocete interactions with different types of trawlers across 13 Food and Agriculture Organization fishing areas around the world. We also review knowledge gaps, the effects on odontocete ecology, distribution, behavior and social organization, the main mitigation options, and some management avenues that could help reduce incidental mortality. Trawlers involved in the interactions varied greatly in gear and target species, implying odontocetes have developed behavioral specializations to forage under a variety of conditions. Specialized behavior included venturing into a moving trawl net to feed on the organisms trapped in the net, feeding on fish stirred up by the net, extracting fish from the outer mesh, feeding on catch lost during hauling, and scavenging on discarded catch. Foraging behi! nd trawlers facilitates access to prey, and in some instances may compensate for scarcity of natural prey within areas exposed to intensive fishing or environmental degradation. This opportunistic foraging strategy, however, exposes the animals to potential harm and mortality in trawl gear. The combined effect of facilitated foraging and bycatch on the status and trends of odontocete populations is unknown. The economic damage caused by odontocetes, e.g. in terms of loss of marketable catch and gear damage, remains largely conjectural. Attempts to reduce depredation and/or bycatch in trawl gear have included acoustic deterrents and exclusion devices installed in nets, although neither technique has proven to be consistently effective. - A one-page synthesis can be found in the European Cetacean Society (2022) poster that can be downloaded from the link below: https://www.dolphinbiology.org/_download/literature/Bearzi_etal_ECS_2022.pdf Sincerely, Giovanni Bearzi https://www.dolphinbiology.org/people/giovanni_bearzi.htm ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] DOLPHINS OF A WOUNDED SEA
Dear colleagues, we would like to announce a video documentary on cetaceans that can be freely viewed online at the link below. Cheers, Giovanni Bearzi and Silvia Bonizzoni DOLPHINS OF A WOUNDED SEA http://www.dolphinbiology.org/mareferito/ in Italian, with English subtitles ABSTRACT — This 20-min marine conservation documentary features research on dolphins in the Mediterranean Sea as seen from the eyes of a biologist who has been studying the animals for two decades. She passionately reports her experience, methods, findings and hindrances. The main focus is on common bottlenose dolphins in the north-western Adriatic Sea. Here, the dolphins have adapted to foraging behind three types of trawlers, and display a variety of behavioral specializations that allow them to persist within an area of high human encroachment. The documentary raises awareness on marine and global conservation issues, emphasizing the importance of personal commitment. While it is a high resolution (4K) video, quality will depend on internet bandwidth. - - - - Giovanni Bearzi <http://www.dolphinbiology.org/people/giovanni_bearzi.htm> ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Shifting baselines of cetacean conservation in Europe
Dear colleagues, Randall Reeves and I just published the paper below in the "Food for Thought" section of the ICES Journal of Marine Science. Bearzi G, Reeves RR. 2021. Shifting baselines of cetacean conservation in Europe. ICES Journal of Marine Science, fsab137. https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/advance-article/doi/10.1093/icesjms/fsab137/6324790 ABSTRACT-- Within just one human lifetime, the underlying motivation to conserve whales, dolphins and porpoises has shifted from being purely practical and anthropogenic to something much broader, reflecting a desire to protect populations as well as individual animals. In European waters, cetacean conservation currently tends to focus on direct and obvious threats, whereas those originating from widespread human encroachment and consumption patterns tend to be overlooked, even when they are pervasive enough to seriously affect cetacean populations. Cetacean habitat and prey rarely benefit from actual protection (including within Marine Protected Areas), while only moderate and often nominal protection is granted to the cetaceans, without clear conservation baselines and quantitative recovery targets. Meanwhile, historical baselines of cetacean diversity, abundance and distribution appear to be shifting, and the memory of past culling campaigns is fading. Here, we argue that! cetacean conservation should go beyond just avoiding further population decline or warding off the extinction of single species. Allowing only the most opportunistic and resilient species to persist, often by merely attempting to mitigate direct mortality (e.g. bycatch in fishing gear), should not pass for actual cetacean conservation. We should strive instead for the full recovery of multiple species throughout their historical ranges. Cheers, Giovanni Bearzi - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi <http://www.dolphinbiology.org/people/giovanni_bearzi.htm> ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Imperiled common dolphins of the Mediterranean Sea
Dear colleagues, Tilen Genov and I published a chapter on Mediterranean common dolphins for Elsevier's upcoming "Imperiled: The Encyclopedia of Conservation": Bearzi G., Genov T. 2021. Imperiled common dolphins of the Mediterranean Sea. In D. DellaSala, M. Goldstein and M.J. Costello (eds.) Imperiled: The Encyclopedia of Conservation. Elsevier, Amsterdam. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128211397000593 ABSTRACT -- The Mediterranean Sea is one of the world's seas most affected by human activities. In this region, concern for the conservation status of the common dolphin *Delphinus delphis* has been expressed since the 1990s. Systematic culling campaigns and intentional takes represented a major cause of mortality between the 1870s and the 1970s. These killings slowed down or largely ceased in the 1970s, but other negative human impacts have increased dramatically since then. Ongoing depletion of key prey caused by overfishing, as well as food-web competition with fisheries, have been identified as important threats in recent decades. Factors that likely contributed to making common dolphins increasingly less common also include incidental mortality in fishing gear, habitat degradation, and the effects of chemical pollutants, underwater noise, and climate change. These impacts may have increased demographic fragmentation, resulting in low density or scattered occurrence acro! ss most of the basin, small group sizes, and occasional admixture with striped dolphins *Stenella coeruleoalba*. Formal commitments to protect Mediterranean common dolphins have been made repeatedly in national and international fora, but conservation action has remained largely on paper. Pdf available upon request to Cheers, giovanni - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi <http://www.dolphinbiology.org/people/giovanni_bearzi.htm> ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Mixed-species dolphin groups in the Gulf of Corinth
The Gulf of Corinth, in Greece, hosts mixed-species groups of striped, common and admixed (striped x common) dolphins, plus a single Risso's dolphin (1, 2, 3). The case for admixture is based on genetics (4). In the Gulf, striped dolphins are Vulnerable (5) and common dolphins are Critically Endangered (6, 7). We just posted footage of these mixed-species groups, that may help appreciate the degree of intermingling and the nuances of intermediate pigmentation patterns: STRIPED DOLPHINS UNDERWATER (15 min) -- https://vimeo.com/526021725 THE RISSO'S DOLPHIN OF THE GULF OF CORINTH (4 min) -- https://vimeo.com/522462079 The Gulf of Corinth has recently become a EU Site of Community Importance (GR2530007), but such a status may not trigger action to protect odontocetes exposed to significant threats. We hope that the videos above will add one drop to conservation efforts encompassing two decades. 1) Frantzis A, Herzing D (2002) Mixed-species associations of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), short beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) and Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus) in the Gulf of Corinth (Greece, Mediterranean Sea). Aquatic Mammals 28, 188-197 2) Bearzi G, Bonizzoni S, Santostasi NL, Furey NB., Eddy L, Valavanis VD, Gimenez O (2016) Dolphins in a scaled-down Mediterranean: The Gulf of Corinth’s odontocetes. In G Notarbartolo di Sciara, M Podestà, BE Curry (Eds), Advances in Marine Biology 75, 297-331 3) Bonizzoni S, Furey NB, Santostasi NL, Eddy L, Valavanis VD, Bearzi G (2019) Modelling dolphin distribution within an Important Marine Mammal Area in Greece to support spatial management planning. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 29, 1665-1680 4) Antoniou A, Frantzis A, Alexiadou P, Paschou N, Poulakakis N (2018) Evidence of introgressive hybridization between Stenella coeruleoalba and Delphinus delphis in the Greek Seas. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 129, 325-337 5) Bearzi G, Bonizzoni S, Santostasi NL (in press) Striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba (Gulf of Corinth subpopulation). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 6) Bearzi G, Bonizzoni S, Santostasi NL (2020) Common dolphin Delphinus delphis (Gulf of Corinth subpopulation). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species e.T156206333A170381113 7) Santostasi NL, Bonizzoni S, Gimenez O, Eddy L, Bearzi G (2018) Common dolphins in the Gulf of Corinth are Critically Endangered. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems doi.org/10.1002/aqc.2963 - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi <http://www.dolphinbiology.org/people/giovanni_bearzi.htm> ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Marine Biology in a World of Wounds
Human impacts on this planet have been recently re-labelled as "climate and ecological catastrophe", "biological annihilation, "sixth mass extinction" and "ecocide". Time to prevent irreversible damage is at best alarmingly short, leaving little room for irrelevant, untimely or self-serving science. As the awareness of threats facing our societies and life on Earth increases, scientists around the world are revising their priorities and time frames to account for a growing sense of urgency and non-reversibility. A new Theme Section in the journal Ethics in Science and Environmental Politics aims to re-define the role played by marine biologists as "ocean doctors" who, having seen the damage, identify and deploy the most effective strategies to help repair it. All contributions listed below are OPEN ACCESS and can be downloaded from: https://www.int-res.com/journals/esep/theme-sections/wow/ Three contributions (*) refer specifically to marine mammal science. MARINE BIOLOGY IN A WORLD OF WOUNDS *Bearzi G Marine biology on a violated planet: from science to conscience *Notarbartolo di Sciara G, Hoyt E Healing the wounds of marine mammals by protecting their habitat *Würsig B From science only to science for conservation: a personal journey Lotze HK Combining love and knowledge to heal the ocean Coll M Environmental effects of the COVID-19 pandemic from a (marine) ecological perspective Worm B, Elliff C, Fonseca JG, Gell FR, Serra-Gonçalves C, Helder NK, Murray K, Peckham H, Prelovec L, Sink K Making ocean literacy inclusive and accessible - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi <http://www.dolphinbiology.org/people/giovanni_bearzi.htm> ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Two papers on Adriatic bottlenose dolphins
Dear colleagues, recently, we published two contributions on the abundance, spatial distribution and interactions with trawling of bottlenose dolphins in the north-western Adriatic Sea. Titles and abstracts are copied below. Pdf copies are available upon request to silvia.bonizz...@gmail.com or giovanni.bea...@gmail.com. Bonizzoni S, Furey NB, Bearzi G (2020) Bottlenose dolphins in the north-western Adriatic Sea: spatial distribution and effects of trawling. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3433 Abstract 1. Many species and populations of odontocetes have modified their behaviour to take advantage of feeding opportunities provided by fishing activities, with depredation of fishing gear being the most common type of adaptation. 2. The northern Adriatic Sea has been identified as an important marine mammal area because of a regular occurrence of common bottlenose dolphins. Boat surveys were conducted within a 3,000 km2 sector of the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Veneto, Italy, between April and October 2018–2019. Based on 76 days at sea, 10,711 km of navigation, and 81 h 26 min of dolphin tracking, this study contributes novel quantitative information on dolphin spatial distribution, and on their occurrence in the wake of beam trawlers, otter trawlers, and midwater pair trawlers. 3. A combined generalized additive model and generalized estimation equation framework indicated that trawling—along with other physiographic, biological and anthropogenic variables—influenced dolphin distribution. In days of trawling, the chance of encountering dolphins increased by ~4.5 times (95% confidence interval 1.8–11.0) near active beam trawlers, by ~16.0 times (7.1–36.0) near otter trawlers, and by ~28.9 times (12.0–69.6) near midwater pair trawlers. 4. Spatial modelling was used to create maps of predicted distribution, suggesting differences in habitat use between trawling and no-trawling days. Spatial modelling for all days identified a dolphin distribution hotspot of 832 km2, situated off the Po river delta. 5. Evidence contributed by this study can be used to inform management action within one of the world's areas most heavily impacted by fishing and other human encroachment. Such management action would help enforce the European Union's Habitats Directive and Marine Strategy Framework Directive, while also informing EU's Maritime Spatial Planning. Bearzi G, Bonizzoni S, Riley MA, Santostasi NL (2020) Bottlenose dolphins in the north-western Adriatic Sea: abundance and management implications. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3450 Abstract 1. The Adriatic Sea is one of the Mediterranean areas most heavily impacted by fishing and other human stressors. The northern part of the basin has been certified as an Important Marine Mammal Area because of the regular occurrence of common bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. 2. Boat surveys, totalling 76 days at sea and 10,711 km of navigation, were conducted between April 2018 and October 2019 to assess cetacean abundance within a 3,000-km2 area off Veneto, Italy. Bottlenose dolphins – the only marine mammal species observed – were encountered on 52 days and were tracked for 81 h and 26 min, resulting in 15,066 dorsal fin photographs of high quality and resolution. 3. Various capture–recapture models were applied on individual photo-identification datasets. Model-based estimates indicate that approximately 600 individuals occurred within the study area during the sampling period in both years. Abundance varied monthly: minimum estimates were obtained in May 2018 (291 individuals; 95% CI 134–630) and May 2019 (121; 95% CI 20–721), whereas maximum estimates were obtained in September 2018 (385; 95% CI 310–477) and October 2019 (494; 95% CI 378–645). 4. Evidence provided by this study can be used to complement and validate coarse ‘snapshot’ information from recent aerial surveys of the entire Adriatic Sea, and to enforce management action mandated by the European Community (EC) Habitats Directive and Marine Strategy. Cheers, Giovanni - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi <http://www.dolphinbiology.org/people/giovanni_bearzi.htm> ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Marine biology on a violated planet: from science to conscience
Dear colleagues, the article below stems from my experience as a dolphin researcher: Bearzi G. 2020. Marine biology on a violated planet: from science to conscience. Ethics in Science and Environmental Politics 20:1-13. It is open access and freely available at: https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esep/v20/p1-13/ ABSTRACT - Humanity¹s self-ordained mandate to subdue and dominate nature is part of the cognitive foundation of the modern world--a perspective that remains deeply ingrained in science and technology. Marine biology has not been immune to this anthropocentric bias. But this needs to change, and the gaps between basic scientific disciplines and the global conservation imperatives of our time need to be bridged. In the face of a looming ecological and climate crisis, marine biologists must upgrade their values and professional standards and help foster the radical transformation needed to avert a climate and ecological breakdown. To prevent some of the damage, they must cross the imaginary line that separates science from science-based activism and consciously pursue the health and durability of human and natural communities. To this end, they can (1) develop compelling narratives that engage human society, with emphasis on care for the wild living world; (2) move beyond marine conservation on paper and avoid self-serving complaisance; (3) advocate constructive changes in market and human behaviour, not only by documenting damage but also by clarifying how the extraction, production and consumption system can be steered away from practices that harm nature; (4) push for systemic change in politics through individual and collective efforts, supporting environmental activism and those who demand biosphere-saving policies; and (5) endorse a more ecocentric and holistic world vision, relinquishing contempt for spiritual wisdom and liaising with (or at least not dismissing) spiritual traditions that encourage equality, self-restraint and environmental sustainability. - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi <http://www.dolphinbiology.org/people/giovanni_bearzi.htm> ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] NEW BOOK: Ethology and Behavioral Ecology of Odontocetes
Dear colleagues, A book on the ethology and behavioral ecology of odontocetes has just been published by Springer Nature: Würsig B. (ed.) 2019. Ethology and Behavioral Ecology of Odontocetes. Springer Nature, Cham, Switzerland. Information on the e-book, separate chapters, and hard copy is here: http://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783030166625 In 23 chapters and 500 pages, a total of 40 authors describe general patterns of ethological concepts of odontocetes in their natural environments, with a strong bent towards behavioral ecology. Examples are given of particularly well-studied species and species groups for which enough data exist, especially from the past 15 years. The aim is to give a modern flavor of present knowledge of ethology and behavior of generally large-brained behaviorally flexible mammals that have evolved quite separately from social mammals on land. As well, the plight of populations and species due to humans is described in multiple chapters, with the goal that an understanding of behavior can help to solve or alleviate at least some human-made problems. This is the first book in a series on the ethology and behavioral ecology of marine mammals, with Würsig as series editor. These other books will be published throughout the next 2.5 years, on 2) phocids (by Daniel Costa and Elizabeth McHuron), 3) otariids and walrus (by Claudio Campagna and Rob Harcourt), 4) sea otter and polar bear (by Randall Davis and Anthony Pagano), 5) mysticetes (by Christopher W. Clark and Ellen Garland), and 6) sirens (by Helene Marsh). Contents of the first book include: Part I -- Patterns of Odontocete Ethology and Behavioral Ecology Shannon Gowans Grouping Behaviors of Dolphins and Other Toothed Whales http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_1 Peter Tyack Communication by Sound and by Visual, Tactile, and Chemical Sensing http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_2 Robin Vaughn-Hirshorn Social Ecology of Feeding in an Open Ocean http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_3 Dara N. Orbach Sexual Strategies: Male and Female Mating Tactics http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_4 Janet Mann Maternal Care and Offspring Development in Odontocetes http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_5 Stefan Bräger, Zsuzsanna Bräger Movement Patterns of Odontocetes Through Space and Time http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_6 Mridula Srinivasan Predator/Prey Decisions and the Ecology of Fear http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_7 Katherine McHugh Odontocete Social Strategies and Tactics Along and Inshore http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_8 Sarah L. Mesnick, Lisa T. Ballance, Paul R. Wade, Karen Pryor, Randall R. Reeves Oceanic Dolphin Societies: Diversity, Complexity, and Conservation http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_9 Giovanni Bearzi, Sarah Piwetz, Randall R. Reeves Odontocete Adaptations to Human Impact and Vice Versa http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_10 Part II -- Examples of Odontocete Ethology and Behavioral Ecology: Present Knowledge and Ways Forward John K. B. Ford Killer Whales: Behavior, Social Organization, and Ecology of the Oceans' Apex Predators http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_11 Mauricio Cantor, Shane Gero, Hal Whitehead, Luke Rendell Sperm Whale: The Largest Toothed Creature on Earth http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_12 Jim Boran, Sara Heimlich Pilot Whales: Delphinid Matriarchies in Deep Seas http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_13 Robin W. Baird Behavior and Ecology of Not-So-Social Odontocetes: Cuvier's and Blainville's Beaked Whales http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_14 Randall S. Wells Common Bottlenose Dolphin Foraging: Behavioral Solutions that Incorporate Habitat Features and Social Associates http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_15 Richard C. Connor, Mai Sakai, Tadamichi Morisaka, Simon J. Allen The Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_16 Marc O. Lammers Spinner Dolphins of Islands and Atolls http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_17 Heidi C. Pearson Dusky Dolphins of Continental Shelves and Deep Canyons http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_18 Dipani Sutaria, Nachiket Kelkar, Claryana Araújo-Wang, Marcos Santos Cetacean Sociality in Rivers, Lagoons, and Estuaries http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_19 Rochelle Constantine Hector's and Maui Dolphins: Small Shore-Living Delphinids with Disparate Social Structures http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_20 Jonas Teilmann, Signe Sveegaard Porpoises the World Over: Diversity in Behavior and Ecology http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030
[MARMAM] Now available online: Whale and dolphin behavioural responses to dead conspecifics
Dear colleagues, the final version of our article "Whale and dolphin behavioural responses to dead conspecifics" is now available online, containing full bibliographic details. The Share Link below provides 50 days' free access to our article. Anyone clicking on this link before July 27, 2018 will be taken directly to the final version of the article (no sign up, registration or fees are required) *Share Link: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1XB203MhxMSrGv <https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1XB203MhxMSrGv>* If the link does not work, you may still contact the first author ( giovanni.bea...@gmail.com) to receive a pdf file. Highlights • Effort-weighted study of 'postmortem attentive behaviour' (PAB) in cetaceans. • Dolphins (Delphinidae) accounted for 92.3% of 78 PAB records, baleen whales 1.3%. • Encephalisation was an important predictor of PAB across taxa. • Female PAB towards dead calves (75%) may have been rescue attempts or grieving. • Male PAB was rare and possibly not caregiving. Abstract The scientific study of death across animal taxa—comparative thanatology—investigates how animals respond behaviourally, physiologically and psychologically to dead conspecifics, and the processes behind such responses. Several species of cetaceans have been long known to care for, attend to, be aroused by, or show interest in dead or dying individuals. We investigated patterns and variation in cetacean responses to dead conspecifics across cetacean taxa based on a comprehensive literature review. We analysed 78 records reported between 1970 and 2016, involving 20 of the 88 extant cetacean species. We adopted a weighted comparative approach to take observation effort into account and found that odontocetes (toothed cetaceans) were much more likely than mysticetes (baleen whales) to attend to dead conspecifics. Dolphins (Delphinidae) had the greatest occurrence of attentive behaviour (92.3% of all records), with a weighed attendance index 18 times greater than the average of all other cetacean families. Two dolphin genera, Sousa and Tursiops, constituted 55.1% of all cetacean records (N = 43) and showed the highest incidence of attentive behaviour. Results of analyses intended to investigate the reasons behind these differences suggested that encephalisation may be an important predictor, consistent with the "social brain" hypothesis. Among attending individuals or groups of known sex (N = 28), the majority (75.0%) were adult females with dead calves or juveniles (possibly their own offspring, with exceptions), consistent with the strong mother-calf bond, or, in a few cases, with the bond between mothers and other females in the group. The remaining records (25.0%) involved males either showing sexual interest in a dead adult or subadult, or carrying a dead calf in the presence of females. Because an inanimate individual is potentially rescuable, responses to dead conspecifics—especially by females—can be explained at least in part by attempts to revive and protect, having a clear adaptive value. In some cases such responses are followed by apparently maladaptive behaviour such as the long-term carrying of, or standing by, a decomposed carcass, similar to observations of certain terrestrial mammals. Among the possible explanations for the observed cetacean behavioural responses to dead conspecifics are strong attachment resulting in a difficulty of "letting go"—possibly related to grieving—or perhaps individuals failing to recognise or accept that an offspring or companion has died. Our current understanding is challenged by small sample size, incomplete descriptions, and lack of information on the physiology and neural processes underpinning the observed behaviour. We provide research recommendations that would improve such understanding. - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi President, Dolphin Biology and Conservation <http://www.dolphinbiology.org/> ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Review article: Whale and dolphin responses to dead conspecifics
Dear colleagues, we just published a comprehensive review in the journal Zoology, titled *'Whale and dolphin responses to dead conspecifics'*. A preview of the manuscript (uncorrected proof) is available at the link below: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.zool.2018.05.003 Please contact the first author (giovanni.bea...@gmail.com) if you wish to receive a paginated pdf file. Sincerely, Giovanni Bearzi, Dan Kerem, Nathan B. Furey, Robert L. Pitman, Luke Rendell and Randall R. Reeves *Highlights* • Effort-weighted study of 'postmortem attentive behaviour' (PAB) in cetaceans. • Dolphins (Delphinidae) accounted for 92.3% of 78 PAB records, baleen whales 1.3%. • Encephalisation was an important predictor of PAB across taxa. • Female PAB towards dead calves (75%) may have been rescue attempts or grieving. • Male PAB was rare and possibly not caregiving. *Abstract* The scientific study of death across animal taxa—comparative thanatology—investigates how animals respond behaviourally, physiologically and psychologically to dead conspecifics, and the processes behind such responses. Several species of cetaceans have been long known to care for, attend to, be aroused by, or show interest in dead or dying individuals. We investigated patterns and variation in cetacean responses to dead conspecifics across cetacean taxa based on a comprehensive literature review. We analysed 78 records reported between 1970 and 2016, involving 20 of the 88 extant cetacean species. We adopted a weighted comparative approach to take observation effort into account and found that odontocetes (toothed cetaceans) were much more likely than mysticetes (baleen whales) to attend to dead conspecifics. Dolphins (Delphinidae) had the greatest occurrence of attentive behaviour (92.3% of all records), with a weighed attendance index 18 times greater than the average of all other cetacean families. Two dolphin genera, *Sousa* and *Tursiops*, constituted 55.1% of all cetacean records (*N* = 43) and showed the highest incidence of attentive behaviour. Results of analyses intended to investigate the reasons behind these differences suggested that encephalisation may be an important predictor, consistent with the "social brain" hypothesis. Among attending individuals or groups of known sex (*N* = 28), the majority (75.0%) were adult females with dead calves or juveniles (possibly their own offspring, with exceptions), consistent with the strong mother-calf bond, or, in a few cases, with the bond between mothers and other females in the group. The remaining records (25.0%) involved males either showing sexual interest in a dead adult or subadult, or carrying a dead calf in the presence of females. Because an inanimate individual is potentially rescuable, responses to dead conspecifics—especially by females—can be explained at least in part by attempts to revive and protect, having a clear adaptive value. In some cases such responses are followed by apparently maladaptive behaviour such as the long-term carrying of, or standing by, a decomposed carcass, similar to observations of certain terrestrial mammals. Among the possible explanations for the observed cetacean behavioural responses to dead conspecifics are strong attachment resulting in a difficulty of "letting go"—possibly related to grieving—or perhaps individuals failing to recognise or accept that an offspring or companion has died. Our current understanding is challenged by small sample size, incomplete descriptions, and lack of information on the physiology and neural processes underpinning the observed behaviour. We provide research recommendations that would improve such understanding. - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi President, Dolphin Biology and Conservation <http://www.dolphinbiology.org/> ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Searching for meaning in marine mammal shared data
Dear colleagues, we are pleased to announce the publication of the opinion piece below: Bearzi G., Gimenez O. 2018. Searching for meaning in marine mammal shared data. Ethics in Science and Environmental Politics 18:9-13. It is open access and freely available at: http://www.int-res.com/articles/esep2018/18/e018p009.pdf ABSTRACT - The sharing of marine mammal data is a worthwhile practice, but there are caveats. Data interpretation may be difficult, sometimes resulting in misleading information or inappropriate formulation of research questions. Here, we point out some of the challenges when dealing with shared marine mammal datasets. We emphasize the importance of collecting, publishing and sharing data in ways that can produce unbiased and meaningful knowledge, ultimately inspiring and directing management action. Finally, we suggest that bridging the gap between data sharing and data reuse will require enhanced spatially referenced online databases as well as direct collaboration between the data analysts and the field researchers who possess relevant place-based expertise. - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi, PhD President, Dolphin Biology and Conservation <http://www.dolphinbiology.org/> ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Cetacean Behavior Toward The Dead and Dying
Dear colleagues, the short chapter below, published today, is an overview of how cetaceans relate to death. Bearzi G., Eddy L., Piwetz S., Reggente M.A.L., Cozzi B. 2017. Cetacean behavior toward the dead and dying. Encyclopedia of Animal Cognition and Behavior (J. Vonk and T.K. Shackelford, eds.). Springer International Publishing. DOI 1007/978-3-319-47829-6_2023-1. <https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-319-47829-6_202 3-1> In case you have trouble accessing the file online, please send me a request and I shall send you a pdf copy of our work. I would welcome any comment and suggestion. Please note that the encyclopedia allowed a maximum of 30 references, which is why so many good articles have not been cited. Sincerely, Giovanni Bearzi - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi, PhD President, Dolphin Biology and Conservation <http://www.dolphinbiology.org/> ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Workshop "Enforcing cetacean conservation through modelling of population dynamics and distribution"
International Workshop Enforcing cetacean conservation through modelling of population dynamics and distribution Galaxidi, Gulf of Corinth, Greece — 20-26 August 2017 http://www.dolphinbiology.org/workshop/ INSTRUCTORS Giovanni Bearzi and Olivier Gimenez Giovanni Bearzi, PhD, Pew Marine Conservation Fellow, has been studying Mediterranean cetaceans since 1986. President of Dolphin Biology and Conservation, Italy, and associate research scientist with Texas A University and OceanCare. Olivier Gimenez, PhD, is an ecological statistician studying animal demography. CNRS senior research scientist at the Biostatistics and Population Biology group and head of the Biodiversity and Conservation department at Centre for Functional and Evolutionary Ecology in Montpellier, France. Co-instructors: Silvia Bonizzoni, MSc Marine Biology; Nina Luisa Santostasi, MSc Eco-biology; Lavinia Eddy, DVM WORKSHOP TOPICS Individual photo-identification: tools and workflow Photographs as samples: use of metadata to empower image-based analyses Capture-recapture analyses Understanding matrix models Analysis of counts Population Viability Analyses Quantification of species distribution (accounting or not for species detectability) Modelling habitat use of marine mammals Using science to support cetacean conservation: Mediterranean case studies Noticing change: shifting perceptions of whales and dolphins The workshop will include time for the assisted analysis of own datasets as well as Q sessions. Workshop participants: max 10 / minimum 5 To cover the costs of the workshop we request a minimum contribution of €650 + €40 membership for students (a proof of student status is required). Non-students €750 + €40 membership. The contribution includes: all the teaching at the Galaxidi field station, boat trip in the Gulf of Corinth, accommodation (double rooms in shared self-catering apartment), breakfast and lunch (every day), and two dinners. Booking deadline: 30 April 2017 For more information: http://www.dolphinbiology.org/workshop/ or write to ad...@dolphinbiology.org ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Dolphins in a scaled-down Mediterranean: the Gulf of Corinth's odontocetes
Dear Colleagues, the article below has just become available: Bearzi G., Bonizzoni S., Santostasi N.L., Furey N.B., Eddy L., Valavanis V.D., Gimenez O. 2016. Dolphins in a scaled-down Mediterranean: the Gulf of Corinth's odontocetes. Advances in Marine Biology 75: Mediterranean Marine Mammal Ecology and Conservation. ISSN 0065-2881. ABSTRACT - The Gulf of Corinth is a 2400-km2 semi-enclosed inland system (a mediterraneus) in central Greece. Its continental shelf areas, steep bottom relief, and waters up to 500900 m deep offer suitable habitat to neritic and pelagic species. We used photographic capturerecapture, distribution modelling, and direct observations to investigate the abundance, status, habitat preferences, movements, and group size of four odontocete species regularly observed in the Gulf, based on five years (20112015) of survey effort from small boats. Striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) are more abundant (1324 individuals, 95%CI 11581515) than was determined from previous estimates. Striped dolphins appear to be confined to the Gulf, where they favour deep and oligotrophic waters, and were encountered in single-species and mixed-species groups. Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) (22 individuals, 95%CI 1631), individuals with intermediate pigmentation (possibly striped/common dolphin hybrids) (55, 95%CI 3683), and a single Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) were only encountered in mixed-species groups with striped dolphins. Short-beaked common dolphins constitute a discrete conservation unit (subpopulation), and based on the current estimate, would qualify as Critically Endangered according to International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria. Common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) (39 animals, 95%CI 3347) occur in single-species groups; they prefer continental shelf waters and areas near fish farms in the northern sector, and several animals appear to move into and out of the Gulf. Additionally, we contribute records of marine fauna and an assessment of the fishing fleet operating in the Gulf. Our study shows that the importance of this vulnerable marine environment has been underestimated, and management action must be taken to mitigate human impact and ensure long-term protection. The full text can be accessed via this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/bs.amb.2016.07.003 Alternatively, a pdf copy can be requested to: giovanni.bea...@gmail.com - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi Dolphin Biology and Conservation <http://www.dolphinbiology.org/> ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Dolphin Biology Weeks in the Gulf of Corinth, Greece
A few places are still available to join field researchers for a 'Dolphin Biology Week' in the Gulf of Corinth, Greece. This offers an opportunity of monitoring dolphins and other fauna together with marine biologists who have been studying Mediterranean cetaceans for a long time. Programme: Data collection during boat surveys and informal seminars on marine research and conservation. Weeks: 11-17 August and 11-17 September 2016. For information: http://www.dolphinbiology.org/weeks/ - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi, Ph.D. President, Dolphin Biology and Conservation <http://www.dolphinbiology.org/> ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Grieving striped dolphin
Dear list members, we observed and filmed what looked like grieving behaviour by a striped dolphin towards a conspecific. The video can be viewed at: http://vimeo.com/dolphinbiology/grievingstripeddolphin While we are aware of similar behaviours by other cetacean species, we would be interested in learning about cases of apparent grieving involving striped dolphins Stenella coeruleoalba. Thank you for any information you may provide. Giovanni Bearzi, Silvia Bonizzoni and Bernd Würsig For communications please write to: giovanni.bearzi#gmail.com (replace # with @) - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi, Ph.D. President, Dolphin Biology and Conservation <http://www.dolphinbiology.org/> Faculty Member and Associate Research Scientist, Texas A University <http://www.tamu.edu/> Research Associate, OceanCare <http://www.oceancare.org> ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Dolphins and coastal fisheries within a marine protected area: mismatch between dolphin occurrence and reported depredation
The following article has become available online: Dolphins and coastal fisheries within a marine protected area: mismatch between dolphin occurrence and reported depredation Giovanni Bearzi, Silvia Bonizzoni, Joan Gonzalvo Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems (2011) DOI: 10.1002/aqc.1179 ABSTRACT 1. Dolphins are often blamed for reducing fisheries catches and may be killed in retaliation. Depredation of fishing gear in coastal Mediterranean waters is normally caused by bottlenose dolphins. Economic impact, however, may be modest even within areas of reportedly acute conflict. 2. Boat surveys and interviews were conducted to investigate dolphin occurrence and interactions with fisheries within the 167 km2 Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area (MPA) in southern Italy. Based on 69 interviews with fishermen using bottom-set trammel and gill nets, there was reportedly a high occurrence of depredation by bottlenose dolphins. Depredation was reported by 92% of the fishermen operating in or near the MPA, and 67% of them claimed an economic cost in excess of €1000 per year, with a mean reported cost of €2561: a higher impact than in other Mediterranean studies. 3. According to local fishermen, dolphin occurrence and depredation peaked in spring and autumn, coincident with the study's surveys at sea. Dedicated visual surveys totalling 1255 km of effort, however, resulted in no encounters with cetaceans. Information from interviews and boat surveys was therefore contradictory, suggesting that reports of acute depredation do not imply a constant presence of dolphins within the MPA. 4. While depredation in the MPA might be caused by wide-ranging dolphins or incursions occurring overnight, damage may well be overestimated or over-reported. As local fishermen had previously benefited from subsidies, interviews made during this study could be perceived by some as an opportunity to influence future decision-making regarding monetary compensation for the impact of depredation. 5. Evidence from interviews also indicated that species and factors other than dolphins were responsible for part of the damage. --- A pdf copy can be obtained from the journal's web site (subscribers only): http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aqc.1179/abstract http://tinyurl.com/4hmzyvb or from me: giovanni.bea...@gmail.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi, Ph.D. http://www.dolphinbiology.org/staff/giovanni_bearzi.htm ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Overview of sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus mortality events in the Adriatic Sea, 15552009
The following article has become available online: Overview of sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus mortality events in the Adriatic Sea, 1555-2009 Giovanni BEARZI, Nino PIERANTONIO, Marco AFFRONTE, Draško HOLCER, Nicola MAIO, Giuseppe NOTARBARTOLO DI SCIARA Mammal Review (2011) doi: 10./j.1365-2907.2010.00171.x ABSTRACT 1. In the Mediterranean Sea, the sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus is one of eight regular cetacean species. Poor knowledge of its ecology and status, together with suspected decline in numbers, make studies of historical and present occurrence especially relevant. Long-term time series of stranding events are the most reliable data to provide a scientific framework for testing hypotheses that seek to explain the mechanisms responsible for cetacean strandings. 2. We present a comprehensive overview of cases of sperm whale mortality and human response to such events encompassing five centuries (1555-2009) within a portion of the Mediterranean Sea that offers a wealth of historical information - the Adriatic Sea. 3. A total of 36 mortality events were validated, involving 68 animals. Two findings of skeletal materials are also reported. The geographic distribution of strandings within the basin clearly was uneven: 44% of records (n = 16) were clustered along a 280km portion of the western Adriatic coast. A relatively high number of mortality events occurred along gently sloping sandy beaches away from suitable sperm whale habitat. 4. Until the first half of the 20th century, live-stranded animals were routinely killed: all but one cases with known human response elicited killing attempts. Starting from the 1980s, killing was replaced by efforts to rescue the animals. 5. Mass strandings of sperm whales have occurred since historical times in the Adriatic Sea. Mortality events involving multiple individuals accounted for at least 17% of the total sample (6 of 36 mortality events). At least 29% of live strandings (6 of 21) involved more than one individual. 6. This study contributes a long-term dataset based on careful validation of historical information, suitable for hypothesis testing aimed at investigating spatial and temporal correlates of sperm whale strandings - particularly live strandings - as a clue to their causes. --- A pdf copy can be obtained from the journal's web site (subscribers only): http://tinyurl.com/4sg6xuc or from me: giovanni.bea...@gmail.com mailto:giovanni.bea...@gmail.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi http://www.coastaldolphins.org/giovanni_bearzi.htm http://www.coastaldolphins.org/giovanni_bearzi.htm ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Mid-distance movements of common bottlenose dolphins in the coastal waters of Greece
The following article has just become available online: Mid-distance movements of common bottlenose dolphins in the coastal waters of Greece Giovanni Bearzi, Silvia Bonizzoni, Joan Gonzalvo. 2010. Journal of Ethology. DOI 10.1007/s10164-010-0245-x ABSTRACT -- While bottlenose dolphins in Mediterranean waters often display a high degree of site fidelity, movements across distant areas can occur. Such movements have important implications in terms of population viability, particularly in basins with low bottlenose dolphin densities. We report movements of nine individuals photoidentified up to 265 km apart in western Greece. Four showed a certain degree of site fidelity to one area across several years, but were also found elsewhere, with two individuals moving between two areas. This study provides further evidence that animals appearing to be 'resident' within a given area can temporarily leave and range widely. --- A pdf copy can be obtained from the journal's web site: http://tinyurl.com/33k9wxq or from me: giovanni.bea...@gmail.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi http://www.coastaldolphins.org/giovanni_bearzi.htm ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Perception of a cetacean mass stranding in Italy: the emergence of compassion
The following article has just become available online: Perception of a cetacean mass stranding in Italy: the emergence of compassion Giovanni Bearzi, Nino Pierantonio, Silvia Bonizzoni, Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, Massimo Demma. 2010. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. DOI: 10.1002/aqc.1135 ABSTRACT 1. The view that whales are malicious monsters has been pervasive throughout history. Conversely, the idea that these animals experience suffering has emerged only recently. One way of investigating perceptual, as well as behavioural, shifts is assessing general public reactions to mortality events involving wild, rare and charismatic animals. 2. Here, the responses of 118 individuals to questions regarding the mass stranding of seven sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) along the Adriatic Sea coast of Italy in December 2009 are reported through interviews taken at the stranding site and in the direct proximity of the dead animals. 3. When asked why the whales were stranded, 44.1% of the respondents suggested anthropogenic causes and 21.2% non-anthropogenic. The remaining 34.7% mentioned a generic disorientation¹ or stated they did not know. When asked how they felt about the whales, 68.6% expressed feelings of compassion or care towards the animals. Clearly non-compassionate attitudes accounted for only 4.1% of the sample. Finally, 21.2% expressed feelings that were ambiguous in terms of being suggestive of compassionate or non-compassionate attitudes, including 11.9% amazement, 4.2% deprecation and 5.1% powerlessness. 4. These results are in stark contrast with information obtained from accounts of similar events that have occurred in historical times, up until the first half of the 20th century. For centuries, responses to cetacean live strandingstypically including killing and harming of the animalswere either utilitarian or characterized by feelings including fear and a desire to subjugate the beast¹, with no apparent concern for their suffering and death. 5. It is concluded that attitudes towards whalestoday strikingly revolving around sadness, compassion and a sense of losshave changed dramatically over time, with a steep turnaround in the 1970/1980s. Full appreciation of the ongoing evolution in public perception can channel marine conservation efforts and assist in the design of response strategies to marine mammal strandings. --- A pdf copy can be obtained from the journal's web site: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aqc.1135/abstract or from me: giovanni.bea...@gmail.com Giovanni Bearzi, Ph.D. President, Tethys Research Institute Viale G.B Gadio 2, 20121 Milano, Italy http://www.tethys.org/giovanni_bearzi.htm http://www.tethys.org/ ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] REVIEW ARTICLE - Risso¹s dolphin Grampu s griseus in the Mediterranean Sea
The following article has just become available online: Risso¹s dolphin Grampus griseus in the Mediterranean Sea. Bearzi G., Reeves R.R., Remonato E., Pierantonio N., Airoldi S. 2010. Mammalian Biology. DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2010.06.003 ABSTRACT The ecology and status of Risso's dolphins Grampus griseus worldwide are poorly known. In the Mediterranean Sea, modern field studies of cetaceans only began in the late 1980s and this has resulted in rapid advances in knowledge of some species, but not Risso's dolphin. This paper reviews available information on the distribution and ecology of Risso's dolphins in the Mediterranean and identifies factors that may negatively affect them in this region. Risso's dolphins occur in continental slope waters throughout the Mediterranean basin and around many of the region's offshore islands and archipelagos. No synoptic estimate of abundance is available for the Mediterranean region, but densities and overall numbers are low in comparison to some other small odontocetes. Diet consists primarily of cephalopods, with a clear preference for mesopelagic squid. The principal known threat to populations in the Mediterranean is entanglement in pelagic drift gillnets. Other potential problems for Risso's dolphins in the Mediterranean include noise disturbance and ingestion of plastic debris. Conservation actions to mitigate the risk of entanglement in fishing gear are likely to benefit Risso's dolphins; specifically, the existing driftnet ban in EU waters should be strictly enforced and extended to the high seas and to waters under non-EU State jurisdiction. More and better data are needed on abundance, distribution, movements, population dynamics and trends in Risso's dolphin populations, and better information on threats (e.g. bycatch in fishing gear) is needed to inform conservation efforts. --- A pdf copy can be obtained from the journal's web site: http://tinyurl.com/2wlftrk or from me: giovanni.bea...@gmail.com ___ Giovanni Bearzi, Ph.D. President, Tethys Research Institute Viale G.B Gadio 2, 20121 Milano, Italy http://www.tethys.org/giovanni_bearzi.htm http://www.tethys.org/ ___ ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Ecology and conservation of common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in the Mediterranean Sea
Dear list members the paper below has just become available online on Mammal Review: Bearzi G., Fortuna C.M., Reeves R.R. 2008. Ecology and conservation of common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in the Mediterranean Sea. Mammal Review. doi: 10./j.1365-2907.2008.00133.x Pdf copies can be downloaded from the link below: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/121452149/PDFSTART Best regards, Giovanni Bearzi --- Ecology and conservation of common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in the Mediterranean Sea GIOVANNI BEARZI, CATERINA MARIA FORTUNA and RANDALL R. REEVES Copyright © 2008 Mammal Society/Blackwell Publishing ABSTRACT 1. Bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus are amongst the best-known cetaceans. In the Mediterranean Sea, however, modern field studies of cetaceans did not start until the late 1980s. Bottlenose dolphins have been studied only in relatively small portions of the basin, and wide areas remain largely unexplored. 2. This paper reviews the ecology, behaviour, interactions with fisheries and conservation status of Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins, and identifies threats likely to have affected them in historical and recent times. 3. Whilst intentional killing was probably the most important cause of mortality until the 1960s, important ongoing threats include incidental mortality in fishing gear and the reduced availability of key prey caused by overfishing and environmental degradation throughout the region. Additional potential or likely threats include the toxic effects of xenobiotic chemicals, epizootic outbreaks, direct disturbance from boating and shipping, noise, and the consequences of climate change. 4. The flexible social organization and opportunistic diet and behaviour of bottlenose dolphins may allow them to withstand at least some of the effects of overfishing and habitat degradation. However, dolphin abundance is thought to have declined considerably in the region and management measures are needed to prevent further decline. 5. Management strategies that could benefit bottlenose dolphins, such as sustainable fishing, curbing marine pollution and protecting biodiversity, are already embedded in legislation and treaties. Compliance with those existing commitments and obligations should be given high priority. ___ Giovanni Bearzi, Ph.D. President, Tethys Research Institute Viale G.B Gadio 2, 20121 Milano, Italy http://www.tethys.org/giovanni_bearzi.htm http://www.tethys.org/ http://www.cetaceanalliance.org/ ___ ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Agony and death of a newborn bottlenose dolphin
Dear MARMAM members on the 3rd of July, 2008, we observed and filmed the agony and death of a newborn bottlenose dolphin in the semi-closed waters of the Amvrakikos Gulf, western Greece. The observation lasted about 70 min. We posted a short preliminary report, a 7-min video and a selection of 33 photos at: http://www.istitutotethys.org/_video/DeadCalves/ We are working on a manuscript that also reports a similar observation done one year ago in the same area (3-4 July 2007, see link above). We would be grateful to list members who have observed such behaviours and want to share information and thoughts regarding 1) calf pathologies and possible causes of death, as suggested by the available photo and video documentation, and 2) evidence of mourning among cetaceans and other animals. We are largely aware of the existing literature on epimeletic and care-giving behaviour among dolphins (many thanks to MARMAM members who responded to a previous post). However, we found little about larger cetaceans. Has care-giving behaviour been observed (and published) among Mysticetes? Please write to Joan Gonzalvo [EMAIL PROTECTED]. ___ Giovanni Bearzi, Ph.D. President, Tethys Research Institute Viale G.B Gadio 2, 20121 Milano, Italy http://www.tethys.org/giovanni_bearzi.htm http://www.tethys.org/ http://www.cetaceanalliance.org/ ___ ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Cetaceans of the Adriatic Sea
With reference to a message recently posted to marmam (see below), I suggest that those interested in publications on Adriatic cetaceans also consult the literature cited in the publication below, including a review of historical information. Please note that some of the most recent articles are missing as the manuscript was submitted in 2003. Bearzi G., Holcer D., Notarbartolo di Sciara G. 2004. The role of historical dolphin takes and habitat degradation in shaping the present status of northern Adriatic cetaceans. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 14:363-379. http://www.tethys.org/download/papers_pdf/Bearzi_etal_2004.pdf (212 Kb) More information may be found in a review of contributions by Italian scientists (1638-2003): Bearzi G., Notarbartolo di Sciara G., Bonizzoni S. 2005. Scientific literature on Mediterranean cetaceans: the Italian contribution. In B. Cozzi, ed. Marine mammals of the Mediterranean Sea: natural history, biology, anatomy, pathology, parasitology. Massimo Valdina Editore, The Coffee House Art Adv, Milano. http://www.tethys.org/download/papers_pdf/Bearzi_etal_2005_ItLit.pdf (832 Kb) Best regards, Giovanni Bearzi ___ Giovanni Bearzi, Ph.D. [EMAIL PROTECTED] President, Tethys Research Institute Viale G.B Gadio 2, 20121 Milano, Italy tel. +39 0272001947; fax +39 0286995011 http://www.tethys.org/ http://www.tethys.org/giovanni_bearzi.htm ___ Da: Marco Affronte [EMAIL PROTECTED] Risposta: Marco Affronte [EMAIL PROTECTED] Data: Fri, 01 Dec 2006 17:24:11 +0100 A: marmam@lists.uvic.ca Oggetto: [MARMAM] Library Cetaceans, sea turtles and sharks of the Adriatic Sea Dear all, the Library of Cetaceans, sea turtles and sharks of the Adriatic Sea is on-line at the address: http://www.adriawatch.provincia.rimini.it/ (Library button). Born within the framework of the italian/slovenian/croatian project Adria-Watch; the library is a collection of references on Adriatic large vertebrates (namely Cetaceans, sea turtles and sharks). For the time being, it contanis about 230 references. Some of them are linked with their proper pdf downloadable file. We invite all of you to take advantage of it. Further, we would appreciate receiving copies (pdf) of papers not on the bibliography, or reports of papers incorrectly cited or not cited at all. Best regards -- Marco Affronte __ Responsabile Scientifico Fondazione Cetacea ONLUS via Ascoli Piceno - 47838 Riccione (RN) ITALY +39 0541 691557 (phone) / +39 0541 475830 (fax) e-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit our site http://fondazionecetacea.org Cetacea Blog: http://fondazionecetacea.org/blog http://fondazionecetacea.org/blog/ *** Storie di Mare blog http://storiedimare.blogspot.com/ ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Tethys - whale and dolphin courses in the Mediterranean
Title: Tethys - whale and dolphin courses in the Mediterranean Since 1990 the Tethys Research Institute organises courses dedicated to those who are willing to contribute to research and conservation campaigns in the Mediterranean Sea. The courses are either boat-based (Pelagos Sanctuary) or land-based (Ionian Greece). Participants are involved in activities including data collection at sea with advanced methodologies, and informal lectures by experienced researchers. Information can be found under Whale and dolphin field courses at: http://www.tethys.org An idea of the settings is given by extensive Photo Albums. Background by Tethys is documented inter alia in the Publications section. _ Giovanni Bearzi, Ph.D. [EMAIL PROTECTED] President, Tethys Research Institute Viale G.B Gadio 2, 20121 Milano, Italy tel. +39 0272001947; fax +39 0286995011 http://www.tethys.org/ http://www.tethys.org/giovanni_bearzi.htm _ ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca http://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Overfishing and decline of Mediterranean megafauna
Title: Overfishing and decline of Mediterranean megafauna Dear colleagues the article below has just been published online. Bearzi G., Politi E., Agazzi S., Azzellino A. 2006. Prey depletion caused by overfishing and the decline of marine megafauna in eastern Ionian Sea coastal waters (central Mediterranean). Biological Conservation 127(4):373-382. ABSTRACT - Surveys primarily aimed at determining dolphin encounter rates were conducted from small inflatable craft in eastern Ionian Sea coastal waters between 1997-2004. During 633 surveys totalling 21276 km of effort, observations of cetaceans and other marine species spotted in a study area of 480 km2 were systematically recorded. Common dolphin encounter rates declined 25-fold across the study period, steadily decreasing from 2.18 encounters/100km in 1997 to 0.09 encounters/100km in 2004. Encounter rates of tuna also declined significantly. Swordfish encounter rates dropped from 1.03 encounters/100km in 1997 to 0-0.12 in 1998-2004. Encounter rates of bottlenose dolphins did not show significant trends. The decline of high-order marine predators feeding on epipelagic prey was consistent with the hypothesis of prey depletion, likely resulting from intensive exploitation of local fish stocks, particularly anchovies and sardines. The catholic feeding habits and opportunistic behaviour of bottlenose dolphins may allow them to withstand the effects of overfishing at their present low density. Those who are interested can find this article and a few related ones at: http://www.tethys.org/giovanni_bearzi.htm click on Publications Best regards, Giovanni Bearzi _ Giovanni Bearzi, Ph.D. [EMAIL PROTECTED] President, Tethys Research Institute Viale G.B Gadio 2, 20121 Milano, Italy http://www.tethys.org/ http://www.tethys.org/giovanni_bearzi.htm _ ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca http://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
