Dear Marmam Subscribers, On behalf of my fellow authors, we are pleased to announce the publication of the following research from Sea Search -Namibian Dolphin Project conducted in collaboration with Ocean Conservation Namibia:
*Entanglement of Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) at colonies in central Namibia. *Steph Curtis, Simon Elwen, Naude Dreyer, Tess Gridley, Marine Pollution Bulletin 171(11):112759, DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112759 Paper Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X21007931 Video Abstract: A video abstract summarising the paper can be found on our dedicated YouTube Channel : https://youtu.be/8v7KgOTtrq4 *Abstract* Marine pollution is increasing, and pinnipeds are commonly affected by entanglement in waste. We investigated entanglement rates, common materials, and the demographic profile of Cape fur seals (*Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus*) affected at two Namibian colonies. Overall, we identified 366 cases of entanglement, and present a global rate of entanglement of 0.17%. Entanglement rates were 0.17% and 0.15% for the Pelican Point and Cape Cross colonies, respectively. We identified 17% more entanglements through photographs than binocular scans. Of the 347 entanglements analysed in detail, juveniles were most commonly affected and fishing materials were the primary cause of entanglements (53%), with 8% of entangled seals exhibiting 'very severe' injuries. Overall, 191 individuals were successfully disentangled, and citizen scientists contributed 51% of total entanglement data. We highlight the negative impact of plastic marine waste among seals and the importance of disentanglement for individual animal welfare. For further information on this publication or to request a pdf please contact: nam.dolphin.proj...@gmail.com or tessgrid...@yahoo.co.uk Many thanks! Tess, Steph and Simon -- NB: South Africa is currently in lock down and children are home schooled for the foreseeable future. Therefore, I am working unusual and limited hrs whilst caring for two young children. Please be patient. --------------------------------------------------- Tess Gridley PhD Co-Director of Namibian Dolphin Project & Sea Search *Contact: T*el: 021 788 1206 / Cell: 0794292702 *Works within the following academic institutes: * University of Cape Town, Dept of Statistical Sciences University of Stellenbosch, Dept of Botany and Zoology *Links* https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tess_Gridley www.seasearch.co.za www.namibiandolphinproject.org/ https://africanbioacoustic.wixsite.com <https://africanbioacoustic.wixsite.com/abcommunity>
_______________________________________________ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
