[MARMAM] New article in Pontoporiia blainvillei anatomy

[Ignacio Molpeceres de Diego]

Dear MARMAM community,
On behalf of my coauthors, I am thrilled to share our new publication in
Animals titled: Nature or Nurture: Is the Digestive System of the *Pontoporia
blainvillei* Influenced or Determined by Its Diet?

Abstract:
The Franciscana (also known as the La Plata River Dolphin) is a small
dolphin that lives in the coastal waters of Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina.
This species is considered the most endangered marine mammal in the western
South Atlantic Ocean. Anatomic dissection of the digestive system of 19
animals of different ages, including 2 neonates, 12 juveniles, and 5
adults, was performed. Parameters related to length, breadth, weight, and
diameter of the digestive viscera were considered in each case. Our results
show that the Franciscana dolphin presents differential characteristics in
relation to several parts of the digestive system, including, specifically,
the tongue, the teeth, the stomach, and the small intestine. Thus, this
paper add precious information to the actual knowledge of this vulnerable
marine mammal species in order to improve conservation efforts.

Tostado-Marcos C, Olocco Diz MJ, Martín-Orti R, Loureiro JP,
Molpeceres-Diego I, Tendillo-Domínguez E, Pérez-Lloret P, Santos-Álvarez I,
González-Soriano J. Nature or Nurture: Is the Digestive System of
the Pontoporia blainvillei Influenced or Determined by Its Diet? Animals
(Basel). 2024 Feb 20;14(5):661. doi: 10.3390/ani14050661. PMID: 38473047;
PMCID: PMC10931072.

The paper is open access and can be downloaded here:
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/5/661

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about our
work!

Cheers,
Ignacio Molpeceres de Diego

DVM, PhD Candidate

University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA)

Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
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[MARMAM] New article on habitat use of Florida manatees

[Eric Angel Ramos]

Greetings MARMAM,

I am happy to share our newest publication on habitat use of Florida
manatees in PLOS One titled “Persistent long-term habitat use by Florida
manatees at Fort Pierce, Florida from 1997 to 2020.”

*Abstract*
To survive cold winters, Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris)
depend on artificial (i.e., power plants) and natural warm water sources
such as springs and passive thermal basins. Passive thermal basins can
provide critical habitat for manatees for short or extended periods of
time. The Henry D. King Powerplant in Fort Pierce, Florida discharged warm
water into Moore’s Creek until it went offline in 1995. However, it is
unknown to what degree manatees continue to occupy this area and how
environmental factors influence their occurrence in the creek. To explore
this, we examined the habitat use of Florida manatees in Moore’s Creek
after the shutdown from November 1997 to March 2020 from daily counts of
manatees. In addition, we correlated local environmental data (ambient air,
temperature, salinity) to assess if Moore’s Creek had properties indicative
of a passive thermal basin. Results indicated there was not an increase or
decrease in habitat use over twenty years in the Creek. The consistent use
of Moore’s Creek over the study period suggests that this habitat possesses
thermal and freshwater resources to support manatee occurrence long-term.
These findings provide robust support for the importance of this habitat
and passive thermal basins for Florida manatees.

The Open Access article can be downloaded free here:
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0297636

*Reference:*
Tennant, R., Brady, B., Love, K.R., Ramos, E.A., Schloesser, R. (2024).
Persistent long-term habitat use by Florida manatees at Fort Pierce,
Florida from 1997 to 2020. PloS One.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the
corresponding author: Beth Brady at biobbr...@gmail.com

Best regards,

*Eric Angel Ramos, Ph.D.*
Scientist at FINS (Fundación Internacional para la Naturaleza y la
Sustentabilidad)

Member of the IUCN SSC Sirenian Specialist Group for Mesoamerica

www.finsconservation.org 
E-mail: eric.angel.ra...@gmail.com
Facebook  | Twitter
 | Instagram

ResearchGate  | ORCiD
 | LinkedIn

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[MARMAM] New article: odontocetes enamel ultrastructure and morphological disparity

[Mariana Viglino]

Dear MARMAM Community,
My co-authors and I are pleased to share the link to our most recently 
published article in the Scientific Reports entitled "The better to eat you 
with: morphological disparity and enamel ultrastructure in odontocetes". 
You can access it here: https://rdcu.be/dn112

ABSTRACTVariations in the shape and size of teeth have been associated with 
changes in enamel ultrastructure across odontocetes. Characterizing these 
features in extinct taxa can elucidate their functional morphology and feeding 
strategy, while also shedding light into macroevolutionary patterns during the 
evolutionary history of cetaceans. This study aimed to (1) describe the enamel 
and dentine ultrastructure of the Early Miocene odontocetes Notocetus 
vanbenedeni and Phoberodon arctirostris from Patagonia (Argentina) and (2) 
quantify tooth and enamel ultrastructure morphological disparity among 
odontocetes. Enamel was predominantly prismatic, thin in the anterior tooth of 
N. vanbenedeni and P. arctirostris; whilst thick on the posterior tooth of N. 
vanbenedeni. Together with skull morphology, data suggests a raptorial feeding 
strategy for P. arctirostris and a combination suction feeding method for N. 
vanbenedeni. Statistical analyses supported these inferences, indicating that 
enamel characters are useful for paleoecological research. Morphological 
disparity analyses showed that extant odontocetes occupy a larger morphospace 
and have more disparate morphologies, whilst extinct odontocetes were more 
similar among each other than with the extant group. There was no clear 
phylogenetic-based grouping, suggesting that tooth and enamel ultrastructure 
disparity were mainly driven by ecological pressures. These results highlight 
enamel ultrastructure as a source for broader-scale paleoecological studies in 
cetaceans.
If you have any questions, you can contact me at vigl...@cenpat-conicet.gob.ar
Best wishes,
Mariana

---Mariana Viglino (she/her/ella)
 Grupo de Paleontología y Paleoambientes
del Neógeno Marino Patagónico
IPGP - CCT CONICET-CENPATBvd. Brown 2915 - U9120ACD
Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
Tel: (+54) 0280-4883184 - Int: 1322
Fax: (+54) 0280-4883543
viglinomari...@yahoo.com.ar
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[MARMAM] New Article: Encounter rate and relative abundance of eight cetaceans off the central Catalan coast (Northwestern Mediterranean sea)

[Oriol Giralt]

Dear MARMAM community,

On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to share with you Associació Cetàcea's 
most recent publication:


Oriol Giralt Paradell, Silvia Junca, Ricard Marcos, Anna Conde Gimenez, Joan 
Gimenez,
Encounter rate and relative abundance of eight cetaceans off the central 
Catalan coast (Northwestern Mediterranean sea),
Marine Environmental Research, 191, 106166 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106166.

Abstract:
This study provides information on cetacean occurrence in the central Catalan 
coast (NE Iberian Peninsula), an area characterised by an underwater canyon 
system. Encounter rates (ER), relative abundances (RA) and seasonality were 
assessed for eight species. This information was combined with physiographic 
features of the seafloor to understand their influence on cetacean 
distribution. Data were collected along 189 surveys from January 2017 to 
December 2022. In total, 479 sightings of eight species of cetaceans were 
recorded. Striped, bottlenose and Risso's dolphins and fin whales were the most 
frequently sighted. ER and RA were similar or higher than in other areas of the 
Mediterranean Sea. Species were distributed differently according to 
physiographic features: bottlenose dolphins in coastal waters and Risso's 
dolphins and fin whales above the Garraf underwater canyon system. These 
results highlight the importance of the central Catalan coast, particularly the 
underwater canyon system, for at least four species of cetaceans.

The article can be freely accessed for a limited time using this link: 
https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1hkShW5UJNpz1

Do not hesitate to contact us for a copy of the article at 
rece...@associaciocetacea.org

Best regards,

Oriol Giralt
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[MARMAM] New article on association patterns of bottlenose dolphins near Brunswick, GA

[Todd Speakman]

Hello,

My coauthors and I are excited to share a new publication entitled:

*Associations and ranging patterns of common bottlenose dolphins near
Brunswick, Georgia, USA*

Speakman, T. R., B. M. Quigley, E. S. Zolman, B. C. Balmer, S. M. Lane, R.
A. Martinson, T. Kolkmeyer, R. Takeshita, M. Caldwell, and L. H. Schwacke.
2023. Journal of Wildlife Management e22490.

The full text is available open access at http://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.22490

*Abstract*
The Southern Georgia Estuarine System (SGES) stock of common bottlenose
dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) resides in estuarine waters near Brunswick,
Georgia, USA. There are concerns for this population due to the presence of
anthropogenic stressors, particularly in the Turtle-Brunswick River Estuary
(TBRE), where polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in dolphins are
>10 times higher relative to dolphins elsewhere in the southeastern United
States. The goal of this study was to evaluate the association patterns and
distribution of the SGES stock based on long-term photo-identification data
(2010–2021) using analyses of social dynamics and spatial movements. Social
analyses identified 5 distinct clusters, 3 of which were substantially
larger and more well-defined than the other 2. Spatial analyses indicated
geographic partitioning among the 3 large clusters, with little overlap in
their core ranges (50% utilization distributions) but shared ranges in
their 95% utilization distributions. Despite having variable ranging
patterns, all 3 large clusters used the TBRE in proximity to the Linden
Chemicals and Plastics (LCP) Superfund site to a degree, suggesting that
they have likely been exposed to high levels of PCBs. Given the spatial
distinction and low connectivity between clusters, loss in any of the
identified clusters has potential to further segment the population and
lead to a decline in the SGES stock as a whole. The fine-scale population
structure should be considered in identifying effective conservation
efforts at the appropriate scale.

Please let me know if you have any questions,

Thank you,
Todd

-- 
Todd Speakman
Biologist, Conservation Medicine
National Marine Mammal Foundation
3419 Maybank Highway, Ste B
Charleston, SC 29455
Ph/ 843.822.3287
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[MARMAM] New article: Sustainability as a common goal: Regulatory compliance, stakeholder perspectives, and management implications of whale and dolphin watching in the Strait of Gibraltar

[Alessia Scuderi]

Dear MARMAM community,



My co-authors and I are pleased the announce the following publication:



Sustainability as a common goal: Regulatory compliance, stakeholder
perspectives, and management implications of whale and dolphin watching in
the Strait of Gibraltar



Authors: Scuderi, A., Tiberti, R., García Sanabria, J., Merino, L.,
Otero-Sabio, C., Pedrosa, A., Cardoso Martins, F..



Abstract: As the Whale and dolphin Watching (WW) industry grows, so does
the need for better industry management. The present study aims to both
evaluate the current compliance of WW operators with local WW statutory
tools, as well as gain a multi-perspective overview of WW activities in the
Strait of Gibraltar. To this end, a total of 637 questionnaires were filled
out by stakeholders including WW customers and operators, researchers,
environmental NGOs, technicians, and policy makers in Tarifa and Gibraltar
between 2017 and 2019. A direct assessment of WW activities was also
carried out in 2019. Results suggest that (1) local operators only
partially follow rules, (2) customers prefer, and give higher ratings to
operators when cetaceans are indifferent to or approach vessels and (3)
stakeholders recognise the educational, scientific, and recreational values
of WW. Suggestions for the improvement of compliance include the land-based
monitoring of WW activities, the analysis of Automatic Identification
System data and an increase in patrolling and enforcement (e.g., revoking
of licenses). Moreover, the introduction of structured educational
programmes during WW activities the designation of Marine Protected Areas,
and of a regional shipping plan, together with an integrated management
approach, could benefit the WW industry and improve its sustainability in
the Strait.



This scientific article has been published on Marine Policy, you can click
on the following link to download it:
https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1h9pQ,714Mqz0k



Please, feel free to contact us for further information.



Kind regards,

Alessia Scuderi


-- 
Alessia Scuderi, PhD
Marine Biologist

Phone: +34 692 606 564
Skype: alessia.scuderi82
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[MARMAM] New article on 'Testing indicators for trend assessment of range and habitat of low-density cetacean species in the Mediterranean Sea'

[antonella . arcangeli]

Dear MARMAM colleagues,

On behalf of my co-authors, we are pleased to share our new publication in 
Frontiers of Marine Science.

Arcangeli A., Atzori F., Azzolin M., Babey L., Campana I., Carosso L., Crosti 
R., Garcia-Garin O., Gregorietti M., Orasi A., Scuderi A., Tepsich P., Vighi M. 
and David L. (2023) Testing indicators for trend assessment of range and 
habitat of low-density cetacean species in the Mediterranean Sea. Frontiers in 
Marine Science, 10, 893. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1116829. 

Introduction: Conservation of cetaceans is challenging due to their 
large-range, highly-dynamic nature. The EU Habitats Directive (HD) reports 78% 
of species in ‘unknown’ conservation status, and information on 
low-density/elusive species such G.griseus, G.melas, Z.cavirostris is the most 
scattered.

Methods: The FLT-Net programme has regularly collected year-round data along 
trans-border fixed-transects in the Mediterranean Sea since 2007. Nearly 7,500 
cetacean sightings were recorded over 500,000 km of effort with 296 of 
less-common species. Comparing data across two HD 6-years periods 
(2013-2019/2008-2012), this study aimed at testing four potential indicators to 
assess range and habitat short-term trends of G.griseus, G.melas, 
Z.cavirostris: 1) change in Observed Distributional Range-ODR based on known 
occurrence, calculated through the Kernel smoother within the effort area; 2) 
change in Ecological Potential Range-EPR extent, predicted through Spatial 
Distribution Models; 3) Range Pattern, assessed as overlap and shift of core 
areas between periods; 4) changes in ODR vs EPR.

Results: Most ODR and EPR confirmed the persistence of known important sites, 
especially in the Western-Mediterranean. All species, however, exhibit changes 
in the distribution extent (contraction or expansion) and an offshore shift, 
possibly indicating exploitation of new areas or avoidance of more impacted 
ones.

Discussion: Results confirmed that the ODR could underestimate the real 
occupied range, as referring to the effort area only; it can be used to detect 
trends providing that the spatio-temporal effort scale is representative of 
species range. The EPR allows generalising species distribution outside the 
effort area, defining species’ Habitat and the Occupied/Potential Range 
proportion. To investigate range-trends, EPR needs to be adjusted based also on 
the Occupied/Potential Range proportion since it could be larger than the 
occupied range in presence of limiting factors, or smaller, if anthropogenic 
pressures force the species outside the ecological niche.

Conclusion: Using complementary indicators proved valuable to evaluate the 
significance of changes. The concurrent analysis of more species with similar 
ecology was also critical to assess whether the detected changes are 
species-specific or representative of broader trends. The FLT-Net sampling 
strategy proved adequate for trend assessment in the Western-Mediterranean and 
Adriatic basins, while more transects are needed to characterize the 
Central-Mediterranean and Aegean-Levantine ecological variability.


The article is available via open access online or upon request.

Kind regars,
antonella arcangeli


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[MARMAM] New article on killer whale blood crossmatching

[Sarah Teman]

Hi MARMAM,

We would like to share our new paper, "Blood crossmatching patterns in a
population of killer whales (*Orcinus orca*) in managed care",
published in *Marine
Mammal Science.*

Citation: Nollens, H. H., Teman, S. J., Burgess, R. L., St. Leger, J. A., &
Schmitt, T. L. (2023). Blood crossmatching patterns in a population of
killer whales (*Orcinus orca*) in managed care. *Marine Mammal Science. *
https://doi.org/10./mms.13024

Abstract:
Blood crossmatching is necessary to determine transfusion compatibility
between individuals, especially for species for which blood groups have not
yet been defined, such as the killer whale (*Orcinus orca*). This study
evaluated methodology for crossmatching in killer whales from a managed
care population using individuals of known lineages. Twenty killer whales
were evaluated for major or minor crossmatch incompatibilities, determined
by evidence of macro-agglutination. Crossmatching incompatibilities were
rarely observed, both when considering 1+ reactions as incompatibilities
(~15%; 59/400 pairings with 1+ to 4+) and when omitting 1+ reactions (6%;
24/400 pairings with 2+ to 4+). A universal red blood cell donor within
this population (whale T) and universal recipients of red blood cells
within this population (whales E, M, O, P, R, S) were identified.
Relationships were examined between the most common major crossmatch
phenotypes and maternal or paternal lineages. Since these whales have not
been previously transfused, the diversity of crossmatch reactions could
indicate the presence and diversity of preexisting alloantibodies in killer
whale plasma. This study highlights the clinical value of applying a
personalized medicine approach to a managed care population.

If you would like to request a PDF please email ste...@uw.edu.

Best,
Sarah Teman
MS Student
Laidre Lab - University of Washington
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[MARMAM] Marmam - new article

[Aleksandra Lechwar]

Dear MARMAM community,

We are pleased to share our new paper entitled 'Habitat preference of
common minke whale (*Balaenoptera acutorostrata*) in Skjálfandi Bay,
Iceland'.

Abstract: Anthropogenic activity has contributed to increased extinction
rates, creating a need to monitor and conserve vulnerable species.
Understanding the distribution and habitat preference of threatened species
can identify crucial habitats, for which protection can improve the
population size numbers.  Here, we investigate the habitat preference of
the common minke whale, a rapidly declining yet understudied cetacean
species. We analysed minke whale sightings over time and in relation to
environmental factors (depth, sea surface temperature, sediment,
chlorophyll), based on long-term monitoring data from Skjálfandi Bay in the
northeast of Iceland. We found minke whales have a preference for water
depth between 9-70m, and water temperature of either colder than 6°C or
warmer than 9°C. Shallow depth was a strong predictor of minke whale
presence, which matched sandeel distribution. Sandeels require shallow
depths for spawning and overwinter burrowing, and the match between minke
whale depth presence and sandeel habitat is in good agreement with sandeels
being an important minke whale food source. Although the relationship
between minke whale presence and sea surface temperature is weak, it also
matched sandeel distribution. We also detected a decline in minke whale
population size over the study period (2009-2018). The population decline
observed here is consistent with the population trend estimated for the
Icelandic population. We suggest that the habitat preferences identified
here should be considered for conservation recommendations and minimising
disturbance in the identified, crucial feeding areas.

The full article is available here: https://doi.org/10.47536/jcrm.v24i1.388

Best,
Aleksandra Lechwar
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[MARMAM] New article on a human-in-the-loop AI approach to detecting cetaceans in large aerial datasets

[Raina Fan]

Dear colleagues,

We're super excited to share our recent publication with you, titled
"Scaling whale monitoring using deep learning: A human-in-the-loop solution
for analyzing aerial datasets" published in Frontiers in Marine Science.

The paper describes our approach to AI-assisted cetacean detection in
detail, shows high agreement with human labellers, and demonstrates a time
savings of up to 97% compared to full manual annotation.

Check out the full article: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1099479
And the related press release on our website:
https://www.whaleseeker.com/mobius-press-release

Abstract: To ensure effective cetacean management and conservation
policies, it is necessary to collect and rigorously analyze data about
these populations. Remote sensing allows the acquisition of images over
large observation areas, but due to the lack of reliable automatic analysis
techniques, biologists usually analyze all images by hand. In this paper,
we propose a human-in-the-loop approach to couple the power of deep
learning-based automation with the expertise of biologists to develop a
reliable artificial intelligence assisted annotation tool for cetacean
monitoring. We tested this approach to analyze a dataset of 5334 aerial
images acquired in 2017 by Fisheries and Oceans Canada to monitor
belugas (*Delphinapterus
leucas*) from the threatened Cumberland Sound population in Clearwater
Fjord, Canada. First, we used a test subset of photographs to compare
predictions obtained by the fine-tuned model to manual annotations made by
three Observers, expert marine mammal biologists. With only 100 annotated
images for training, the model obtained between 90% and 91.4% mutual
agreement with the three Observers, exceeding the minimum inter-observer
agreement of 88.6% obtained between the experts themselves. Second, this
model was applied to the full dataset. The predictions were then verified
by an Observer and compared to annotations made completely manually and
independently by another Observer. The annotating Observer and the
human-in-the-loop pipeline detected 4051 belugas in common, out of a total
of 4572 detections for the Observer and 4298 for our pipeline. This
experiment shows that the proposed human-in-the-loop approach is suitable
for processing novel aerial datasets for beluga counting and can be used to
scale cetacean monitoring. It also highlights that human observers, even
experienced ones, have varied detection bias, underlining the need to
discuss standardization of annotation protocols.

Cheers,
Raina on behalf of the Whale Seeker team

-- 
*Raina Fan*
Head of Science Communication and Outreach
Whale Seeker, Inc.
www.whaleseeker.com
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[MARMAM] New article examining link between foraging success and fitness

[Keith Hernandez]

Hi MARMAM community,

On behalf of my co-authors I am excited to share our new publication in
Ecology Letters, available Open Access at the following link:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10./ele.14193

Beltran R. S., Hernandez K. M., Condit R., Robinson P. W., Crocker D. E.,
Goetsch C., Kilpatrick A. M., Costa D. P. (2023) Physiological tipping
points in the relationship between foraging success and lifetime fitness of
a long-lived mammal. Ecology Letters

Abstract: Although anthropogenic change is often gradual, the impacts on
animal populations may be precipitous if physiological processes create
tipping points between energy gain, reproduction or survival. We use 25
years of behavioural, diet and demographic data from elephant seals to
characterise their relationships with lifetime fitness. Survival and
reproduction increased with mass gain during long foraging trips preceding
the pupping seasons, and there was a threshold where individuals that
gained an additional 4.8% of their body mass (26 kg, from 206 to 232 kg)
increased lifetime reproductive success three-fold (from 1.8 to 4.9 pups).
This was due to a two-fold increase in pupping probability (30% to 76%) and
a 7% increase in reproductive lifespan (6.0 to 6.4 years). The sharp
threshold between mass gain and reproduction may explain reproductive
failure observed in many species and demonstrates how small, gradual
reductions in prey from anthropogenic disturbance could have profound
implications for animal populations.

Sincerely,
Keith & Roxanne
-- 
Keith M. Hernandez, PhD | he/him/his
Postdoctoral Scholar, Cetacean Conservation and Genomics Laboratory
Marine Mammal Institute, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon State
University
Newport, OR 97365
Google Scholar

|
ResearchGate 
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[MARMAM] New article on fin whale breaching behaviour in the Mediterranean Sea

[antonella . arcangeli]

Dear Marmam community,

we are very please to share with you the new pubblication on 'Analysis of 
environmental, social, and anthropogenic factors as potential drivers of 
breaching behavior in the Mediterranean fin whale' of Campana, I., Farace, I., 
Paraboschi, M., & Arcangeli, A. (2023). Marine Mammal Science.

Abstract:
Breaching is frequently reported for many large cetacean species, but this 
behavior is considered very rare in fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus). Fin 
whales are regularly observed in the Mediterranean Sea, and they perform 
seasonal concentration/dispersal movements throughout this basin. This study 
aimed to investigate the influence that environmental parameters, social 
factors, and anthropogenic disturbance may have on breaching behavior in fin 
whales to deepen the understanding of these displays. Fin whale sightings were 
collected between 2012 and 2020 within the Fixed Line Transect Monitoring 
Network along the ferry route from Italy to Spain, crossing the mid‐latitudes 
of the western Mediterranean Sea. Breaching events were analyzed with respect 
to season, chlorophyll concentration, sea state, group size, fin whale 
frequency, distance between a breaching event and the closest whales, distance 
from the observation platform, and maritime traffic. During the study, 
breaching events were recorded 27 times over 721 fin whale sightings (3.74%), 
with a higher frequency during summer and fall (>4.96%) compared to spring 
(1.77%); no events were observed during winter. The most significant variables 
were distance from the observation platform as an inhibitory factor and 
distance between whales, possibly related to socialization and communication.

The publication is available at 
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10./mms.13000
or upon request on researchgate.

All the best,
antonella (on behaf of the authors)


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[MARMAM] New article - Effects of dolphin-swim activities on the behaviour of an Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin population off the south coast of Mozambique.

[Dolphin Encountours Research Center]

Dear MARMAM Subscribers

.

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the article
titled -


The article can be accessed here:
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320723000496


Authors: Diana Rocha, Sarah A. Marley,
Benjamin Drakeford, Jonathan Potts,  Angie Gullan


Abstract

Swim-with-dolphin (SWD) activities are popular but can negatively impact
target populations. It is important to consider the behavioural responses
of dolphins, and quantify the impact on individuals and populations, as
well as maximise opportunities for sustainable tourism that benefits
socio-economic growth while encouraging pro-environmental behaviour. This
is of relevance in `developing countries, where ecological studies are
scarce and tourism industries may have developed before science-based
management measures were implemented.


This study aimed to determine the effects of SWD tourism on the behaviour
of resident Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops aduncus*) in the
Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve (PPMR), Mozambique. Markov-chain
models were used to describe dolphin behaviour transition probabilities in
different tourism contexts between 2007 and 2009 (low tourism) and
2017–2019 (high tourism). Results detected significant short-term changes
in the behaviours of dolphins. In the early years (2007–2009), dolphins
were likely to remain in their preceding behaviour if they were resting,
travelling, and foraging. However, for later years (2017–2019) this only
occurred if they were travelling. Overall, after tourist swims, and under
both tourism contexts, dolphins were more likely to travel and less likely
to socialise, rest, or forage. The findings raise concerns that, despite
current management measures, SWD activities still affect dolphin behaviour
and impose short-term negative effects to their activity budget. Our study
recommends time- and area-closures, speed restrictions, and mandatory
training programmes to all SWD staff. Given that SWD and whale-watching
activities take place along the coast of Mozambique, national regulations
are urgently needed to minimise potential long-term negative effects on
cetacean populations.


Pdf requests can be made here: an...@dolphincare.org

Angie Gullan:   +258 84 330-3859

Dolphin Encountours Research Center,

Main Beach, Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique

www.dolphinencountours.org | Facebook

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[MARMAM] New article on nutrient concentrations in minke whale faeces

[Brandt, Carla Freitas]

Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of my co-authors I am pleased to present our recently published paper:

Freitas, C., Gundersen, K., Lindblom, L., Biuw, M., Haug, T., 2023. Nutrient 
concentrations in minke whale faeces and the potential impact on dissolved 
nutrient pools off Svalbard, Norway. Progress in Oceanography, 210, 102927.

Abstract:
There is increasing interest in assessing the impact of whales on nutrient and 
carbon cycling in the ocean. By fertilising surface waters with nutrient-rich 
faeces, whales may stimulate primary production and thus carbon uptake, but 
robust assessments of such effects are lacking. Based on the analysis of faeces 
collected from minke whales (n = 31) off Svalbard, Norway, this study 
quantified the concentration of macro and micronutrients in whale faeces prior 
to their release in seawater. Concentrations of the macronutrients nitrogen (N) 
and phosphorous (P) in minke whale faeces were 50.1 ± 10.3 and 70.9 ± 12.1 g 
kg−1 dry weight, respectively, while the most important micronutrients were 
zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu). By combining measured 
faecal nutrient concentrations with estimated prey-consumption and 
prey-assimilation rates, we calculate that the current population of 
approximately 15, 000 individuals in the small management area (SMA) of 
Svalbard defecates daily 7 ± 1.4 tonnes (t) N and 10 ± 1.7 t P during summer. 
The molar ratio of N:P in minke whale faeces was 1.6:1, meaning that N was 
proportionally limiting, when compared to average elemental ratios of 16:1 in 
phytoplankton. In case of no N limitation in surface waters at that time, the 
release of elemental P through defecation in surface waters has the potential 
to stimulate 407 ± 70 t of carbon per day during summer as new or regenerated 
primary production in the SMA of Svalbard. This amounts to 0.2 to 4 % of daily 
net primary production in this region. This study provides the first assessment 
of nutrient concentration in whale faeces prior to their dissolution in sea 
water. Further research, namely on the amount of N released via urine and 
seasonal changes in excreted nutrients, is needed to better assess the full 
potential of whale nutrient additions to dissolved nutrient pools in surface 
waters at regional and global scales.

The article is freely available at:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0079661122001860

Kind regards,

Carla

Carla Freitas
Institute of Marine Research, Norway


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[MARMAM] New article on a novel method to study steroids from grey seal pup plasma

[Vaida Surviliene]

Dear colleagues,

I am pleased to inform you that a new article regarding a development of a
novel method to study multiple steroid hormones from grey seal pup plasma
was published recently.

Lea Sait, S.T., Survilienė, V., Jüssi, M., Gonzalez, S. V, Ciesielski,
T.M., Jenssen, B.M., Asimakopoulos, A.G., 2022. Determination of steroid
hormones in grey seal (*Halichoerus grypus*) blood plasma using convergence
chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Talanta 124109.
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2022.124109

The link to the open access article can be found here:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0039914022009055?via%3Dihub

Abstract

A hybrid solid phase extraction (HybridSPE) protocol tailored to
ultra-performance convergence chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
(UPC2-MS/MS) was developed for the determination of 19 steroid hormones in
grey seal (*Halichoerus grypus*) blood plasma. In this study, the protocol
demonstrated acceptable absolute recoveries ranging from 33 to 90%. The
chromatographic separation was carried out using a gradient elution program
with a total run time of 5 min. The method repeatability ranged from 1.9%
to 24% for most target analytes and the method limits of quantification
(mLOQs) ranged from 0.03 to 1.67 ng/mL. A total of 9 plasma samples were
analysed to demonstrate the applicability of the developed method in blood
plasma from a wildlife species. A total of 13 steroid hormones were
quantified in grey seal pup plasma. The most prevalent steroids: cortisol,
cortisone, corticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol, progesterone and
17α-hydroxyprogesterone were detected at concentrations in the range of
9.09–40.1, 7.10–24.2, 0.742–10.7, 1.06–5.72, 0.38–4.38 and ___
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[MARMAM] new article - blue whale and behavioral response to boat

[Dagmar Fertl]

My coauthors and I are pleased to announce publication of:



Smultea, M.A., F.C. Robertson, and D. Fertl. 2022. Blue whale (Balaenoptera 
musculus) mother-calf pair behavioral response to vessel in the Southern 
California Bight. Aquatic Mammals 48(6):690-692.


Systematic focal observations of endangered blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) 
mother-calf behavior are rare, with little known about potential disturbance 
reactions to vessels. During systematic line-transect aerial surveys flown to 
collect data on marine mammal density and behavior in the Southern California 
Bight, the opportunity arose to interrupt the survey to circle and 
video-document a blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) mother and calf‘s 
behavioral response to an approaching recreational vessel. Results indicated 
short-term initial curiosity (approach) by the calf to vessel presence followed 
by behavioral disturbance in response to the vessel’s sudden change in speed 
manifested by the calf suddenly moving away then returning to previous close 
proximity to the mother.



https://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?option=com_content=article=2262:blue-whale-balaenoptera-musculus-mother-calf-pair-behavioral-response-to-vessel-in-the-southern-california-bight=210=326



Supplemental material at: 
https://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/images/Smultea_etal_Supplemental-file.pdf



This is an OPEN ACCESS article; a special thanks to Zoomarine Algarve 
(Portugal) for sponsoring this special issue of Aquatic Mammals. The authors 
thank journal editor Dr. Kathleen Dudzinski and Special Issue Guest Editor Dr. 
Jim Darling for the opportunity to present our information in this special 
issue.





PDF also available by contacting Dagmar Fertl at: dagmar_fe...@hotmail.com

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[MARMAM] New article - First record of sharksucker with a young Guiana dolphin

[Guilherme Augusto Bortolotto]

Dear all,

I'm pleased to share that or new article is now published in the JMBA-UK

Souto, L., Ross, T., Sampaio, C., Reis, M., & Bortolotto, G. (2022). First
record of sharksucker Echeneis naucrates associated with a young Guiana
dolphin Sotalia guianensis in north-eastern Brazil. Journal of the Marine
Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 1-4.
doi:10.1017/S0025315422000637

Summary: We describe and discuss the rare observation of association
between a young Guiana dolphin and likely the same sharksucker for over 1.5
month.

Open access: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0025315422000637

Don't hesitate to get in touch with questions, comments and suggestions:
ga...@st-andrews.ac.uk


All the best,

Guilherme A. Bortolotto (he/him)
Research Fellow | Sea Mammal Research Unit
http://www.smru.st-andrews.ac.uk/person/gabdo/

Project TARSAN
International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration
https://thwaitesglacier.org/index.php/
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[MARMAM] New article: "Insights into sustainable tourism policy : Identikit of the whale watchers and their economic contribution in Tarifa (Strait of Gibraltar)"

[Alessia Scuderi]

Dear MARMAM list subscribers,



On behalf of my co-authors, I would like to share with you our recent
publications:

Scuderi, A., García, J., Vighi, M., Merino, L., & Cardoso Martins, F.
(2022). Insights into sustainable tourism policy : Identikit of the whale
watchers and their economic contribution in Tarifa (Strait of Gibraltar).
Ocean and Coastal Management, 227(August), 106293.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2022.106293





Abstract:

Globally, whale watching (WW) is the greatest economic activity that is
based on cetaceans, and in mainland Spain the town of Tarifa (Strait of
Gibraltar) is the main WW port. Despite it being such an economically
relevant sector, little is being done to monitor and guarantee its
sustainability. Dedicated questionnaires were designed and delivered to WW
customers of Turmares Tarifa during the summers 2017 and 2018, to delineate
the socio- economic profile of WW customers, evaluate their economic
contribution to the local economy and assess their level of satisfaction
with WW activities. Results obtained from the 380 questionnaires analysed
showed that whale watchers generally had a university level education and a
high purchasing capacity. Most came from Spain and showed signs of
touristic loyalty to WW and of being in favour of conservation. Their
satisfaction was influenced by the time spent with cetaceans and the
education provided prior to and during the WW trip. The average daily
expenditure of WW customers was €97, and their total expenditure in the
period considered was €855,604, of which 51% contributed directly to the
economy of Tarifa. We advocate the improvement of edu- cation, a national
publicity campaign addressed to whale watchers, and the implementation of
administrative facilities for WW companies, as actions to improve the
management of WW towards a sustainability.



The full article can be downloaded:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0964569122002691



50 days of free access: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1fWRy3RKK-uDS3



Please, feel free to contact me for further details.



Sincerely,

Alessia Scuderi

-- 
Alessia Scuderi
PhD candidate in Marine Spatial Planning and Integrated Coastal Zone
Management (ICZM)

Research Group on ICZM
Marine and Environmental Science Faculty

University of Cádiz - Universidad de Cádiz
Apdo. 40, 11510- Puerto Real (Cádiz) Spain (España)
Phone: +34 692 606 564
Skype: alessia.scuderi82
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[MARMAM] New Article Submission for the MARMAM Digest

[Ham, Jackson]

To the MARMAM community:

We are pleased to share our new article, which was recently published in 
Behavioural Processes:

Ham, J.R., Lilley, M.K., Lelekach, J., Miller, M.R., Robeck, T.R., Pellis, 
S.M., & Manitzas Hill, H.M. (2022). The emergence and early development of 
socio-sexual behavior in beluga calves (Delphinapterus leucas). Behavioural 
Processes, 200, 104695. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2022.104695

Abstract:

While the ontogeny of beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) socio-sexual behavior has 
been documented in animals between 37- and 108-months-old, the first 36 months 
of life are yet to be examined. This study investigated how socio-sexual 
behaviors emerge over the first three years of life in a group of belugas in 
managed care. The emergence of socio-sexual behaviors was relatively consistent 
among immature animals. More complex behaviors, like s-posture presentations, 
developed in a piecemeal fashion (i.e., simple components of the behavior 
sequence emerged before complex components). The presence of an adult male 
significantly predicted if immature belugas would initiate and participate in 
socio-sexual behavior. However, partner preferences changed with age. In the 
first year of life, belugas engaged in sexual behavior with their mother most 
frequently but preferred to play with older males if given a choice. By the 
third year of life, belugas engaged in socio-sexual behavior most frequently 
with other immature animals. These findings enhance our understanding of how 
belugas develop sexually and socially and have implications for social housing 
practices of immature belugas.

Please do not hesitate to email us if you have any questions.

Best,

Jackson & co-authors

Jackson R. Ham, M.Sc.
Ph.D. Student
Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience
Department of Neuroscience
University of Lethbridge
jackson.r@gmail.com
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[MARMAM] New article on Guadalupe fur seal pup production (Mario A. Pardo - CICESE)

[Mario A. Pardo]

Dear MARMAM'ers,

We are pleased to announce the publication of our article:

“Guadalupe fur seal pup production predicted from annual variations of 
sea surface temperature in the southern California Current Ecosystem”


by A. Juárez-Ruiz, M.A. Pardo, J.C. Hernández-Montoya, F.R. 
Elorriaga-Verplancken, M. de los Á. Milanés-Salinas, T. Norris, E. 
Beier, and G. Heckel.


in The ICES Journal of Marine Science.

ABSTRACT - We evaluated the effects of sea surface temperature anomalies 
(SSTA) in the southern California Current Ecosystem on the annual 
Guadalupe fur seal (/Arctocephalus townsendi/) pup production, a species 
recovering from near extinction. Pup counts from 1991 to 1993 and from 
2006 to 2019 were used to estimate deviations from a long-term trend as 
a proxy for the population's reproductive success. We estimated 
interannual SSTA as a subtraction from the linear trend spanning 
1991–2019 for a 778,000 km2 area, which represents the primary foraging 
range of adult females. The long-term increase in pup production 
followed an exponential curve ( R2B= 1⁠), typical of species in a 
recovery phase. Pup production deviations from this trend responded to 
SSTA during the gestation period as a cubic polynomial function (R2B= 
0.837⁠), revealing that SSTA < −0.2°C and between ∼0.6 and 1.38°C 
increased pup production in the subsequent breeding season, whereas 
normal to slightly warm (−0.17 to 0.6°C) and extreme SSTA (>1.4°C) 
decreased pup counts, arguably resulting from low prey availability and 
quality. This model allowed us to estimate pup production for years 
without observations, needed to understand the environmental variability 
influence on the recovery process of this species, and therefore 
constitutes a practical tool for its conservation and management.


The article can be obtained directly from the journal at: 
https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsac097


Or upon personal request to the authors at: 
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361189585_Guadalupe_fur_seal_pup_production_predicted_from_annual_variations_of_sea_surface_temperature_in_the_southern_California_Current_Ecosystem 



Best wishes,


--
Mario A. Pardo
Research Associate
CONACYT - CICESE
La Paz, BCS, Mexico


--
*Mario Pardo*
Turquesa Specialist 
 

Chilaquiles Analyst 
 

Compost Consultant 

Ph.D. in Beach IPA Testing 
 

M.Sc. in Margarita Development 
 


Kaia’s Drama Therapist
Tika’s Behavior Enthusiast
Society for the Blueberry Peanut Butter (Emeritus) 
 

Black Sails & Vikings Reviewer 
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[MARMAM] New Article: Interactions between the common dolphin,Delphinus delphis, and the Portuguese purse seine fishery over a period of 15 years (2003–2018)

[Ana Marçalo]

Dear MARMAN Subscribers,

On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of our
new research in Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems.

Dias, I., Marçalo, A., Feijó, D., Domingues, I. & Silva, A. (2022).
Interactions between the common dolphin, Delphinus delphis, and the
Portuguese purse seine fishery over a period of 15 years (2003–2018).
Aquatic Conservation Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. DOI:
10.1002/aqc.3828.

 Abstract 1. Interactions between cetaceans and the purse seine fishery in
coastal waters of mainland Portugal were investigated using onboard
observations over a period of 15 years (2003–2018). In 10% of the fishing
sets, there were interactions with one of three species of cetaceans:
common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops
truncatus), and harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). The common dolphin
was the most frequently observed species, occurring in 89% of all
interaction events, and the only species with observed mortality.
Therefore, this study focused only on the interactions with common
dolphins. 2. A generalized additive model (GAM) was applied to observer
data to investigate how the fishing activity and the abundance of small
pelagic fish influenced the probability of occurrence of interactions
between the common dolphin and the purse seine fishery between 2003 and
2018. The results revealed significant annual and geographic variation in
the occurrence of interactions, and a significant influence of fishing
effort and catch per unit effort of sardine (Sardina pilchardus). 3. A
second GAM in a hurdle model was used to model the number of common
dolphins that interacted with the fishing activity as a function of fishing
seasonality and the local abundance of pelagic fish. There was a
significant effect of the seasonality of the fishing activity and catch per
unit effort of sardine and chub mackerel (Scomber colias) on the number of
common dolphins interacting with the fishery. 4. The results of this study
suggest that the probability of interactions and the number of common
dolphins interacting with the fishery were affected by the local abundance
of sardine and chub mackerel. 5. As the common dolphin population appears
to be increasing in the study area, the risk of by-catch also increases,
thus the monitoring of the Portuguese purse seine fishery is important to
inform the implementation of management plans, and also as a response to
global efforts for sustainable fisheries and marine mammal conservation.

The full paper may be accessed via this link:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aqc.3828 or upon request.

Kind Regards,
Ana


Ana Marçalo, PhD
Fisheries biologist; Researcher/Assistant Professor
email: amarc...@ualg.pt; amarc...@gmail.com

CCMAR - Centro de Ciências do Mar, Universidade do Algarve
Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
Office: L 23
*https://www.ccmar.ualg.pt/users/amarcalo
*

https:// www.raalg.pt /Algarve
Stranding Network Coordinator
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[MARMAM] New article about gray whales feeding outside the Arctic

[Michelle]

Dear MARMAM community

My co-authors and I are thrilled to announce the publication of our latest
article:

Gelippi, M., Caraveo-Patiño, J., Gauger, M.F.W. *et al.* Isotopic
composition of the eastern gray whale epidermis indicates contribution of
prey outside Arctic feeding grounds. *Sci Rep* 12, 7055 (2022).
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-10780-1

The full article can be freely read and downloaded at:
https://rdcu.be/cMvgx

Abstract:
Eastern gray whales’ distribution range and plasticity in feeding behavior
complicates the understanding of critical life-history such as pregnancy
and lactation. Our goal was to determine if females who experienced
gestation, gave birth, and lactated their calves, assimilated a high
proportion of benthic amphipods from the Bering Sea, which are considered
the species’ main prey. We used Bayesian stable isotope mixing models to
estimate the probability of contribution of food items sampled along the
species’ distributional range, using isotopic data on amphipods from the
Bering Sea, mysids from Vancouver Island, and amphipods and polychaetes
from Ojo de Liebre Lagoon. We sampled epidermal tissue from lactating
females (n = 25) and calves (n = 34) and analyzed their carbon and nitrogen
isotopic composition. Model outcome indicated that benthic amphipods from
the Bering Sea were not the primary food for the eastern gray whale. Each
mother performed a different feeding strategy, and prey from Vancouver
Island were generally as important as that from the Bering Sea. Moreover,
model results indicate a constant use of Ojo de Liebre Lagoon as a feeding
ground. Our results appear to agree with previous studies that report
continuous feeding by females to satisfy certain physiological requirements
(e.g., fatty acids omega-6) during migration and breeding time. Future
investigations of the isotopic composition of all those prey items that
could be assimilated by the eastern gray whale emerge as critical. Both
historical and recent information, that would provide insights in the
species feeding ecology under past and present environmental conditions,
should be considered as equally important to establish conservation and
management plans.

Best,

Michelle





-- 
Michelle Gelippi (PhD)
Marine Biologist
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[MARMAM] New article - Underwater photo-identification of sperm whales off Mauritius

[Justine Girardet]

 Dear all,

My colleagues and I are pleased to announce the publication of our paper
"Underwater photo-identification of sperm whales (*Physeter macrocephalus*)
off Mauritius"in Marine Biology Research.

Abstract
The long-term monitoring of long-lived animals often requires individual
identification. For cetaceans, this identification may be based on
morphological characters observable from a boat such as shape, spots and
cuts of the back, fluke and dorsal fins. However, for some species such as
the sperm whales (*Physeter macrocephalus*), this approach may be
challenging as individuals display a rather uniform skin pigmentation. They
also do not very often show their fluke, complicating individual
identification from a boat. Immature sperm whales that usually have an
unharmed fluke may be excluded from photo-identification catalogues. Within
the framework of the Maubydick project, focusing on the long-term
monitoring of sperm-whales in Mauritius, passive underwater observation and
video recording were used to identify long-lasting body markers (e.g. sex,
ventral white markings, cut-outs of fins). A catalogue of 38 individuals
(six adult males, 18 adult females and 14 immatures) enabled observers to
record some nearly-daily, and yearly resightings.

Advantages and disadvantages of this method are presented here. Such
catalogues represent a robust baseline for conducting behavioural, genetic
and acoustic studies in social species. Benefits of such newly acquired
knowledge are of primary importance to implement relevant conservation
plans in the marine realm.

The article can be accessed for free for a limited time via the following
link :

https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/VHRRHWU5WPMDCUBTWWMR/full?target=10.1080/17451000.2022.2040737
It can also be access via
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17451000.2022.2040737?src=

Best regards,

Justine Girardet


-- 
GIRARDET Justine
Université de Brest, UFR Sciences et Techniques
6 avenue le Gorgeu, 29200 Brest, France
Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité UMR7205 (ISYEB), Equipe
Homologies
Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Station Marine de Concarneau
justinegirar...@gmail.com
0782424534
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[MARMAM] New article - Male sperm whales in the Indian Ocean

[Justine Girardet]

 Dear all,

On behalf of my colleagues, I am pleased to inform you of the new article
in Frontiers Marine Science: "Long distance runners in the marine realm:
new insights into genetic diversity, kin relationships and social fidelity
of Indian Ocean male sperm whales"

Abstract
Adult male sperm whales (*Physeter macrocephalus*) are long distance
runners of the marine realm, feeding in high latitudes and mating in
tropical and subtropical waters where stable social groups of females and
immatures live. Several areas of uncertainty still limit our understanding
of their social and breeding behavior, in particular concerning the
potential existence of geographical and/or social fidelities. In this
study, using underwater observation and sloughed-skin sampling, we looked
for male social fidelity to a specific matrilineal sperm whale group near
Mauritius. In addition, we captured a wider picture of kin relationships
and genetic diversity of male sperm whales in the Indian Ocean thanks to
biopsies of eight individuals taken in a feeding ground near the Kerguelen
and Crozet Archipelagos (Southern Indian Ocean). Twenty-six adult male
sperm whales were identified when socializing with adult females and
immatures off Mauritius. Sloughed-skin samples were taken from thirteen of
them for genetic analysis. Long-term underwater observation recorded
several noteworthy social interactions between adult males and adult
females and/or immatures. We identified seven possible male recaptures over
different years (three by direct observation, and four at the gametic
level), which supports a certain level of male social fidelity. Two
probable first- and thirty second-degree kin relationships were highlighted
between members of the social unit and adult males, confirming that some of
the adult males observed in Mauritian waters are reproductive. Male social
philopatry to their natal group can be excluded, as none of the males
sampled shared the haplotype characteristic of the matrilineal social
group. Mitochondrial DNA control region haplotype and nucleotide
diversities calculated over the 21 total male sperm whales sampled were
similar to values found by others in the Indian Ocean. Our study strongly
supports the existence of some levels of male sperm whale social fidelity,
not directed to their social group of birth, in the Indian Ocean. Males
sampled in breeding and feeding grounds are linked by kin relationships.
Our results support a model of male mediated gene flow occurring at the
level of the whole Indian Ocean, likely interconnected with large-scale
geographical fidelity to ocean basin, and a small-scale social fidelity to
matrilineal social groups."

PDF of the article is available online via the following DOI link:
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.815684

Best regards,

Justine Girardet

-- 
GIRARDET Justine
Université de Brest, UFR Sciences et Techniques
6 avenue le Gorgeu, 29200 Brest, France
Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité UMR7205 (ISYEB), Equipe
Homologies
Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Station Marine de Concarneau
justinegirar...@gmail.com
0782424534
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[MARMAM] New article: Population assessment for humpback whales - alternative method

[Guilherme Augusto Bortolotto]

Dear all,

Our new article is now published in PLoS ONE:

Bortolotto GA, Thomas L, Hammond P, Zerbini AN (2021) *Alternative method
for assessment of southwestern Atlantic humpback whale population status*.
PLoS ONE 16(11): e0259541. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0259541

Humpback whales wintering off eastern South America were exploited almost
to the point of extinction. Today, that population is recovering but the
timing is uncertain. In this article, we revise a previous population
status assessment and use an alternative method for model fitting (MCMC),
which will hopefully be more widely accessible to ecologists. Our approach
allowed us to better investigate and reflect scientific uncertainty around
historical population levels. Our approach provides an accessible framework
for investigating the status of depleted animal populations for which
information is available on historical mortality and intermittent estimates
of population size and/or trend.
The detailed R code for implementing the state-space models in this article
are provided in full in the supplementary material.

Open access:
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0259541#pone.0259541.s001

Don't hesitate to get in touch with questions, comments and/or suggestions:
bortolotto...@gmail.com/ga...@st-andrews.ac.uk

All the best,

Guilherme A. Bortolotto (he/him)
Research Fellow | Sea Mammal Research Unit
http://www.smru.st-andrews.ac.uk/person/gabdo/

Project TARSAN
International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration
https://thwaitesglacier.org/index.php/
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[MARMAM] New article: Behavioral observations and stable isotopes reveal high individual variation and little seasonal variation in sea otter diets in Southeast Alaska

[Nicole Laroche]

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of myself and my co-authors, we are excited to share the
following paper:

Behavioral observations and stable isotopes reveal high individual
variation and little seasonal variation in sea otter diets in Southeast
Alaska

Nicole LaRoche, Sydney King, Matthew Rogers, Ginny Eckert, and Heidi Pearson

ABSTRACT
Two complementary approaches were used to assess year-round variation in
the diet of sea otters Enhydra lutris around Prince of Wales Island (POW)
in southern Southeast Alaska, a region characterized by mixed-bottom
habitat. We observed sea otters foraging to determine diet composition
during the spring and summer. Then, we obtained sea otter vibrissae, which
record temporal foraging patterns as they grow, from subsistence hunters to
identify year-round changes in sea otter diets via stable isotope analysis
of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N). We compared the stable isotopes from
sea otter vibrissae and sea otter prey items that were collected during
spring, summer, and winter. Overall, year-round sea otter diet estimates
from stable isotope signatures and visual observations from spring and
summer were dominated by clams in terms of biomass, with butter clams
Saxidomus gigantea the most common clam species seen during visual
observations. Our results indicate that these sea otters, when considered
together at a regional level around POW, do not exhibit shifts in the main
prey source by season or location. However, sea otter diets identified by
stable isotopes had a strong individual-level variation. Behavioral
variation among individual sea otters may be a primary driving factor in
diet composition. This study provides quantitative diet composition data
for modeling predictions of invertebrate population estimates that may aid
in the future management of shellfisheries and subsistence hunting and the
development of co-management strategies for this protected species.

Marine Ecology Progress Series 677:219-232.
https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13871


If you have any questions, please feel free to email: nlaro...@alaska.edu

Best,
Nicole LaRoche
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[MARMAM] New article: Vocal repertoire, micro-geographical variation and within-species acoustic partitioning in a highly colonial pinniped, the Cape fur seal

[Mathilde Martin]

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of myself and my co-authors, we are excited to share the
following paper:

*Vocal repertoire, micro-geographical variation and within-species acoustic 
partitioning in a highly colonial pinniped, the Cape fur seal*

Mathilde Martin, Tess Gridley, Simon Elwen, Isabelle Charrier

*Abstract*
Communication is fundamental for the survival of animal
species as signals are involved in many social interactions
(mate selection, parental care, collective behaviours). The
acoustic channel is an important modality used by birds
and mammals to reliably exchange information among
individuals. In group-living species, the propagation of
vocal signals is limited due to the density of individuals and
the background noise. Vocal exchanges are, therefore,
challenging. This study is the first investigation into the
acoustic communication system of the Cape fur seal (CFS),
one of the most colonial mammals with breeding colonies of
hundreds of thousands of individuals. We described the
acoustic features and social function of five in-air call types
from data collected at two colonies. Intra-species variations in
these vocalizations highlight a potential ability to convey
information about the age and/or sex of the emitter. Using
two classification methods, we found that the five call
types have distinguishable frequency features and occupy
distinct acoustic niches indicating acoustic partitioning in
the repertoire. The CFS vocalizations appear to contain
characteristics advantageous for discrimination among
individuals, which could enhance social interactions in their noisy
and confusing acoustic environment. This study provides a basis for
our understanding of the CFS acoustic communication system.

Royal Society Open Science 8:202241
https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.202241

Please feel free to contact me with any questions!

Best regards,

--
*Mathilde MARTIN*
PhD Student

Acoustic Communications Team, Department Cognition & Network Neuroscience
NeuroPSI - Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience
151 rue de la Rotonde, 91400 Saclay, FRANCE
https://neuropsi.cnrs.fr

Tel: +33 (0)1 69 82 63 56
Email: mathilde.mar...@universite-paris-saclay.fr
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[MARMAM] New article:

[Ada Natoli]

Dear MARMAN Subscribers,

On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of our
new research article published in Marine Mammal Science:

Ada Natoli, André E. Moura, Neftalí Sillero, 2021. *Citizen science data of
cetaceans in the Arabian/Persian Gulf: Occurrence and habitat preferences
of the three most reported species.* Mar Mam Sci. 2021;1–21.

*Abstract:*
Citizen science data are becoming increasingly relevant in wildlife
studies, especially when obtaining data requires costly logistics. In the
Arabian/Persian Gulf, baseline information about cetaceans is scarce
despite their regular presence. From 2012 to 2019, a citizen science
campaign conducted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) obtained information
on 1,292 cetacean sightings. These were methodically validated by experts,
resulting in 1,103 records where species was confidently assigned. From the
12 species reported, we analyzed the spatial patterns of occurrence and
drivers of habitat preference for the three most reported species: Tursiops
aduncus (Ta 53%), Sousa plumbea (Sp 45%), and Neophocaena phocaenoides (Np
2%). Ecological niche modelling, considering seven environmental variables
(physicochemical: temperature, silicate, calcite, pH; physiographic:
distance from coast, bathymetry; biological: chlorophyll) showed subtle
niche partitioning among the three species. Our results suggest different
diets and energy requirements for Np, with Ta and Sp, segregating mostly by
different patterns of space use. Specifically, Sp prefers close proximity
to shore, particularly areas with complex networks of inland canals. This
information provides an estimate of habitat preferences, that can be used
in formulating effective conservation measures. Sp shows the narrowest area
of suitable habitat and is at particular risk from habitat degradation.

Link to the article: http://doi.org/10./mms.12865

Best regards

Ada

-- 



Ada Natoli (PhD)
UAE Dolphin Project
www.uaedolphinproject.org

Email: ada.nat...@uaedolphinproject.org
Email: ada.nat...@gmail.com
Phone: +971 (0) 44321211
Mobile: +971 (0) 509551742
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[MARMAM] New Article: Steroid hormone profiles and body conditions of migrating male humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)

[Greta Dalle Luche]

Dear MARMAN Subscribers,

On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of our new 
research article in General and Comparative Endocrinology:

Dalle Luche, G., Boggs, A.S., Kucklick, J.R., Hawker, D.W., Wisse, J.H., 
Bengtson Nash, S.B., 2021. Steroid hormone profiles and body conditions of 
migrating male humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). General and 
Comparative Endocrinology, 113888.



ABSTRACT: Simultaneous analysis of multiple steroid hormones from remotely 
obtained blubber biopsies has the potential to concurrently provide information 
regarding stress and reproductive status from free-swimming cetaceans, while 
also investigating correlations between hormone concentrations and other health 
biomarkers. In this study we measured blubber concentration profiles of eight 
reproductive and adrenal steroid hormones (17α-hydroxy-progesterone, 
testosterone, androstenedione, progesterone, cortisol, 11-deoxy-corticosterone, 
oestrone, and oestradiol) together with body condition, as determined by the 
inverse Adipocyte Index, of 101 male humpback whales. Whales were sampled 
randomly at two time points, while migrating to and from their northeast 
Australian breeding grounds, allowing for intra- and inter-seasonal profile 
analysis. Testosterone, progesterone and cortisol together with androstenedione 
17α-hydroxyprogesterone, and oestrone concentrations (the latter quantified for 
the first time in live biopsied male humpback whales) decreased between the 
northward and southward migrations. Decreasing testosterone levels during the 
height of humpback whale conceptions suggests asynchronicity between blubber 
testosterone levels and the expected peak of male fertility. Statistically 
significant relationships between levels of certain steroid analytes were 
observed and appeared to change between the early and late breeding seasons. 
During the northward migration, testosterone, progesterone, androstenedione, 
oestrone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone levels were positively correlated. 
Cortisol concentrations correlated positively with those of testosterone during 
the northward migration, but negatively during the southward migration. 
Androstenedione and testosterone were positively correlated with adiposity 
during the late breeding season. These hormone-hormone and hormone-adiposity 
correlations may be reflective of the activation of certain steroid hormone 
synthesis pathways, or alternatively, of concomitant physiological stimuli. As 
steroid hormones work in concert, information on multiple steroid hormones is 
needed to interpret endocrinological status and understand the relationships 
between these compounds and ancillary health markers. This study provides 
steroid hormone profiles of wild male humpback whales, as well as the first 
insight into seasonal male endocrinology as a function of adiposity.

Link to article: 
https://reader.elsevier.com/reader/sd/pii/S0016648021001817?token=EA2C90A77B9DC5776CE522A7AA04DA4D3AAE6FB671916CFFB3367F65990E714F8D7B4583AA59666C252BACA647939C6C=us-east-1=20210829063444

[https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0016648021001817-ga1.jpg]
Steroid hormone profiles and body conditions of migrating male humpback whales 
(Megaptera 
novaeangliae)
Simultaneous analysis of multiple steroid hormones from remotely obtained 
blubber biopsies has the potential to concurrently provide information regar…
reader.elsevier.com


Please feel free to contact me (dalleluche.gr...@gmail.com) for a pdf copy of 
the paper.

Kind regards,
Greta

-
Dr. Greta Dalle Luche, PhD
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[MARMAM] New Article: Quantifying the effects of tidal turbine array operations on the distribution of marine mammals: Implications for collision risk

[Joseph Onoufriou]

New Article: Quantifying the effects of tidal turbine array operations on
the distribution of marine mammals: Implications for collision risk

Dear MARMAM,

We are pleased to announce the publication of our new paper in Renewable
Energy:

Joe Onoufriou, Debbie J.F. Russell, Dave Thompson, Simon E. Moss  &  Gordon
D. Hastie. (2021) Quantifying the effects of tidal turbine array operations
on the distribution of marine mammals: Implications for collision risk.
Renewable Energy. (180) 157-165

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2021.08.052.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S096014812101212X)


Abstract:
Owing to their predictability, tidal currents are an attractive source of
renewable energy. However, data on the environmental impacts, especially at
array scale, are lacking. We present a spatial analysis of telemetry data,
identifying the effects of the presence and operations of the world's first
commercial sized tidal turbine array on the movements of an acoustically
sensitive marine mammal; the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina). No significant
change in at sea distribution was detected between pre and post
installation of the 4 turbine array. However, seals showed overt avoidance
responses during turbine operations, with a significant decrease in
predicted abundance (95% CIs: −11%, −49%) within ∼2 km of the array. These
results provide important information for estimating collision rates
between seals and tidal turbine arrays and demonstrate an analytical
framework which can be used to assess the effect of arrays on other marine
animal distributions. Collision risk models used to estimate collision rate
between tidal turbines and marine mammals traditionally assume some
non-empirical degree of avoidance, or no avoidance. The avoidance response
elicited by seals to these devices could reduce the likelihood of direct
collisions, with estimated avoidance rates measured here suggesting a
decrease in total number of between 0.4% and 2% per annum. Further, given
sustained barrier effects were not identified, avoidance may only be
occurring during the potentially dangerous periods during operations
thereby not restricting movement through the site at all times. However,
future environmental impact assessments and spatial planning for array
deployments should consider the potential for repulsion of acoustically
sensitive top-predators away from ecologically important sites.

Keywords: Environmental monitoring; Tidal stream turbines; Spatial ecology;
Marine spatial planning; Mammal behaviour

please feel free to e-mail me at *j
ojo.onoufr...@gmail.com * if
you have any questions or would like a pdf copy.

Best wishes,

Joe Onoufriou & co-authors
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[MARMAM] New article in the Journal of Political Ecology on whaling and whale watching

[Benedict Singleton]

Dear list members,


Some of you may be interested in this article recently published open access in 
Journal of Political Ecology. It builds partially upon my interviews with 
marine mammal scientists. Details and link below.


Yours sincerely,


Benedict Singleton

The whale watched and whaled: exploring the orderings of a complex 
environmental issue through the lens of rubbish theory

The political ecological study of environmental issues is often concerned with 
the interactions of diverse actors, leading to accounts of different, 
conflicting worldviews. While different epistemological and ontological 
standpoints are covered, there is consensus that environmental issues are 
simultaneously social and material, and that worldviews differ. In this 
article, I argue Michael Thompson's rubbish theory can be usefully employed to 
compare and contrast environmental perspectives ultimately rooted in 
conflicting epistemological and ontological understandings of a situation. 
Rubbish theory describes the categorization of objects into durables, 
transients and rubbish, and movements between these categories.Rubbish theory 
focuses on how objects are restricted in their movement and how this reflects 
the distribution of power and status in society. Two aspects of a society may 
then be assessed: 1) its value system, and 2) the extent to which different 
groups may alter that value system. Dynamic changes in these two aspects are 
then traceable. As an example of extant environmental conflicts rooted in 
different worldviews, this article focuses on historic and contemporary issues 
around the consumption of whale meat. Focusing upon whaling and whale-watching, 
I argue that historic and contemporary conflicts manifest different orderings 
and that these comprise different epistemological standpoints, which as value 
systems are comparable within rubbish theory.


Keywords: political ontology, rubbish theory, social theory, environmental 
conflict, cosmopolitics, cetaceans


https://journals.librarypublishing.arizona.edu/jpe/article/id/2928/


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[MARMAM] New article: Modeling changes in baleen whale seasonal abundance, timing of migration and environmental variables to explain the sudden rise in entanglements in California

[Ellen M Hines]

Dear colleagues, we are pleased to present the following open source article.  
Thanks to our collaborators at Point Blue Conservation Science and the 
scientists who climbed to the lighthouse on Southeast Farallon Island every day 
for sightings since 1993 and through the present.
Modeling changes in baleen whale seasonal abundance, timing of migration, and 
environmental variables to explain the sudden rise in entanglements in 
California
As well as good news from San Francisco:
Endangered humpback whales get extra habitat protection along the West Coast 
(sfchronicle.com)
K. Ingman1,2¶, E. Hines2,3¶, P.L.F. Mazzini4&, C. Rockwood1&, N. Nur1¶, J. 
Jahncke1¶
Affiliations
1 Point Blue Conservation Science, Petaluma, CA, USA
2 Estuary & Ocean Science Center, SFSU, Tiburon, CA, USA
3 Department of Geography & Environment, SFSU, San Francisco, CA, USA
4 Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary, Gloucester Point, VA, 
USA
We document changes in the number of sightings and timing of humpback 
(Megaptera novaeangliae), blue (Balaenoptera musculus), and gray (Eschrichtius 
robustus) whale migratory phases in the vicinity of the Farallon Islands, 
California. We hypothesized that changes in the timing of migration off central 
California were driven by local oceanography, regional upwelling, and 
basin-scale climate conditions. Using 24 years of daily whale counts collected 
from Southeast Farallon Island, we developed negative binomial regression 
models to evaluate trends in local whale sightings over time. We then used 
linear models to assess trends in the timing of migration, and to identify 
potential environmental drivers. These drivers included local, regional and 
basin-scale patterns; the latter included the El Niño Southern Oscillation, the 
Pacific Decadal Oscillation, and the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation, which 
influence, wind-driven upwelling, and overall productivity in the California 
Current System. We then created a forecast model to predict the timing of 
migration. Humpback whale sightings significantly increased over the study 
period, but blue and gray whale counts did not, though there was variability 
across the time series. Date of breeding migration (departure) for all species 
showed little to no change, whereas date of migration towards feeding areas 
(arrival) occurred earlier for humpback and blue whales. Timing was 
significantly influenced by a mix of local oceanography, regional, and 
basin-scale climate variables. Earlier arrival time without concomitant earlier 
departure time results in longer periods when blue and humpback whales are at 
risk of entanglement in the Gulf of the Farallones. We maintain that these 
changes have increased whale exposure to pot and trap fishery gear off the 
central California coast during the spring, elevating the risk of 
entanglements. Humpback entanglement rates were significantly associated with 
increased counts and early arrival in central California. Actions to decrease 
the temporal overlap between whales and pot/trap fishing gear, particularly 
when whales arrive earlier in warm water years, would likely decrease the risk 
of entanglements.
Please let us know any questions, best Ellen
Ellen Hines, PhD
Associate Director and Professor of Geography & Environment
Estuary & Ocean Science Center
San Francisco State University
3150 Paradise Dr, Tiburon, CA 94920 USA
ehi...@sfsu.edu
https://eoscenter.sfsu.edu/content/ellen-hines
**I formally acknowledge that I reside and work on occupied Tamyen Ohlone and 
Coastal Miwok land.







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[MARMAM] New Article on cetacean-fisheries interactions: Modelling ecosystem dynamics to assess the effect of coastal fisheries on cetacean species

[Oriol Giralt]

Dear MARMAM community,

In behalf of my co-authors I would like to share the article with you all:

Giralt Paradell, O., Methion, S., Rogan, E., Díaz López, B. 2021. Modelling 
ecosystem dynamics to assess the effect of coastal fisheries on cetacean 
species. Journal of Environmental Management. 285, 112175. 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112175

Abstract:
The expansion of fisheries and its increased efficiency are causing severe 
detrimental impacts on marine species and ecosystems, that can be categorised 
into operational and ecological effects. While impacts directly caused by 
fishing activities have been extensively documented, it is difficult to set an 
empirical link between fisheries and changes in predator biomass and abundance. 
Therefore, exploring the functioning of ecosystems as a whole, the interactions 
between the different species within them and the impact of human activities, 
is key to understanding the ecological effects of fisheries on top predators 
and ecosystems, and to develop effective conservation measures, while ensuring 
a more sustainable exploitation of fishing resources. For instance, mass 
balance models, such as Ecopath with Ecosim, have proven to be a useful tool to 
develop more holistic fisheries management and conservation strategies. In this 
study, Ecopath with Ecosim was used to investigate the temporal dynamics of the 
Rías Baixas shelf ecosystem (North-West Spain) between 2005 and 2017. 
Additionally, nine 30-year forward projecting simulations covering the period 
2018–2047 were developed to examine the effects of differing fisheries 
management strategies on common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), bottlenose 
dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). 
Results from these models suggest that when intense fishing increases it poses 
a major threat to the conservation of these top predators in the area, by 
reducing the variety of their available prey and potentially enhancing 
competition amongst them. The study highlights the applicability of Ecopath 
with Ecosim to develop cetacean conservation measures and despite its small 
spatial scale, it provides a general framework that can be used to assess 
cetacean conservation in larger and impacted areas.

The article is freely accessible at sciencedirect via the following link:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301479721002371#appsec1

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have further inquiries: 
or...@thebdri.com

Best,

Oriol Giralt








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[MARMAM] New article published on Atlantic spotted dolphin aggression in The Bahamas

[Cassie Rusche]

Dear MARMAM community,

My co-author and I are pleased to share our new publication: Aggressive
behaviors of adult male Atlantic spotted dolphins: Making signals count
during intraspecific and interspecific conflicts, which has been published
in Animal Behavior and Cognition.

You can download the article here:
https://doi.org/10.26451/abc.08.01.04.2021

Citation: Volker, C. L., & Herzing, D. L. (2021). Aggressive behaviors of
adult male Atlantic spotted dolphins: Making signals count during
intraspecific and interspecific conflicts. *Animal Behavior and Cognition,
8*(*1*), 36-51.

Abstract

Some species exhibit behavioral plasticity by altering their aggressive
behavior based on their opponent. Atlantic spotted dolphins (*Stenella
frontalis*) and bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) are two
sympatric species resident to the northern Bahamas. We examined whether
groups of adult male spotted dolphins demonstrated behavioral plasticity
during two different types of aggressive interactions. We described and
compared the types of aggressive behaviors used during intraspecific
aggression and interspecific aggression with bottlenose dolphins. Between
the years 1991-2004, twenty-two aggressive encounters (11 intraspecific
(spotted only), 11 interspecific (spotted vs. bottlenose)) were
behaviorally analyzed. Twenty-three specific aggressive Behavioral Events,
further grouped into three Behavioral Types, were examined throughout these
encounters. Similarities and differences in the use of the Behavioral Types
occurred during intra- and interspecific aggression. Groups of male
Atlantic spotted dolphins altered their behavior during aggressive
encounters with male bottlenose dolphins. Spotted dolphins increased their
use of the Pursuit Behavioral Type and did not use the Display Behavioral
Type significantly more than the Contact Behavioral Type during
interspecific aggression. The increased use of a more overt and energy
intensive Behavioral Type, Pursuit, suggests that Atlantic spotted dolphins
altered their behavior during aggressive encounters with bottlenose
dolphins to compensate during fights with a larger species and/or to
effectively communicate with a different species.

Keywords: Sympatric, *Stenella frontalis*, *Tursiops,* spotted dolphin,
aggression, Bahamas

Kind regards,

Cassie Volker
Wild Dolphin Project
Research Assistant
(cas...@wilddolphinproject.org)
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[MARMAM] New article published on harbor porpoise conservation in Europe

[Laetitia Nunny]

Dear colleagues, 


We are pleased to share our article “Out of Sight, Out of Mind: How 
Conservation Is Failing European Porpoises” which has just been published in 
Frontiers in Marine Science (open access) as part of the research topic "Small 
Cetacean Conservation: Current Challenges and Opportunities".
 
In the article we stress the vulnerability of the harbor porpoise in European 
seas and especially in the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea and in the waters of the 
Iberian Peninsula off Portugal and Spain, and call for urgent action, 
especially in relation to bycatch.

The article can be found at the following link: 
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.617478/full?_source=Email_to_authors__medium=Email_content=T1_11.5e1_author_campaign=Email_publication==Frontiers_in_Marine_Science=617478#note5

Citation: Carlén I, Nunny L and Simmonds MP (2021) Out of Sight, Out of Mind: 
How Conservation Is Failing European Porpoises. Front. Mar. Sci. 8:617478. doi: 
10.3389/fmars.2021.617478

Abstract

The conservation of harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) appears to be failing 
in Europe. There are particular concerns about this species in the Baltic 
Proper, Black, and Mediterranean Seas, as well as in the Northeast Atlantic, 
including the Iberian population, off the Spanish and Portuguese coasts. The 
Baltic Proper porpoise is “critically endangered,” with a population only in 
the low hundreds, and the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling 
Commission has repeatedly called for action to ensure its survival. In 2020, 
the Committee issued a series of recommendations relating to it and the Iberian 
population. Similarly, the Black Sea harbor porpoise, Phocoena phocoena ssp. 
relicta, is classified by the IUCN as endangered. Another population which may 
be genetically distinct is the West Greenland harbor porpoise, which is hunted 
without quotas or close seasons. European cetaceans and their habitats are 
covered by a number of international and regional conventions and agreements 
and, under European Union law, are “highly protected.” In practice, however, 
these legal protections have failed to generate effective conservation. For 
example, Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are required for them and, 
although sites have been designated in some marine areas/countries, in the 
absence of appropriate management plans, SACs cannot be expected to help 
improve the harbor porpoise's conservation status. Compared to many other 
species, porpoises are relatively long-lived with low reproductive capacity and 
only poor public recognition. Conservation and management efforts are caught up 
in a complicated nexus of interactions involving a web of commitments under 
international conventions and agreements, European environmental laws, and 
European fisheries policy. However, public disinterest, lack of political will 
to implement conservation measures, and complicated fishing-related issues 
hinder any real progress. More positively, recent advice from the International 
Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) provides a new scientific 
foundation for conservation action to address fisheries bycatch in the Baltic 
Proper harbor porpoise population. Populations of other porpoise species 
(family Phocoenidae) are also threatened, most notably the global population of 
the critically endangered vaquita, or Gulf of California porpoise (Phocoena 
sinus). The common threats and factors affecting porpoise populations are 
discussed and recommendations offered.

Keywords: harbor porpoise, porpoise, bycatch, Phocoena, Baltic, vaquita, 
conservation

Thank you for your interest. 

Best wishes, 

Ida Carlén (Coalition Clean Baltic), Laetitia Nunny (Wild Animal Welfare) and 
Mark P. Simmonds (Humane Society International)

Please send any correspondence regarding the article to Mark P. Simmonds: 
mark.simmo...@sciencegyre.co.uk
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[MARMAM] New article: Natural dimethyl sulfide gradients would lead marine predators to higher prey biomass.

[Ms Kylie Owen]

Hey everyone,

My co-authors and I pleased to announce our new publication in Nature 
Communications Biology. We show that following gradients of dimethyl sulfide 
would lead zooplankton predators (such as many baleen whale species) to higher 
prey biomass than swimming randomly.

Owen K., Saeki K., Warren J.D., Bocconcelli A., Wiley D.N., Ohira S., Bombosch 
A., Toda K., Zitterbart D. Natural dimethyl sulfide gradients would lead marine 
predators to higher prey biomass. Commun Biol 4, 149 (2021). 
https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-021-01668-3

ABSTRACT
Finding prey is essential to survival, with marine predators hypothesised to 
track chemicals such as dimethyl sulfide (DMS) while foraging. Many predators 
are attracted to artificially released DMS, and laboratory experiments have 
shown that zooplankton grazing on phytoplankton accelerates DMS release. 
However, whether natural DMS concentrations are useful for predators and 
correlated to areas of high prey biomass remains a fundamental knowledge gap. 
Here, we used concurrent hydroacoustic surveys and in situ DMS measurements to 
present evidence that zooplankton biomass is spatially correlated to natural 
DMS concentration in air and seawater. Using agent simulations, we also show 
that following gradients of DMS would lead zooplankton predators to areas of 
higher prey biomass than swimming randomly. Further understanding of the 
conditions and scales over which these gradients occur, and how they are used 
by predators, is essential to predicting the impact of future changes in the 
ocean on predator foraging success.

If you have any questions about our study, please feel free to get in touch.

Kind regards
Kylie


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[MARMAM] New article: "Using claws to compare reproduction, stress and diet of female bearded and ringed seals in the Bering and Chukchi seas, Alaska, between 1953–1968 and 1998–2014."

[Dani Crain]

My co-authors and I would like to announce our recent publication in
Conservation Physiology, "Using claws to compare reproduction, stress and
diet of female bearded and ringed seals in the Bering and Chukchi seas,
Alaska, between 1953–1968 and 1998–2014." *This article is open access and
available here: https://bit.ly/38WDZg5 *

*Abstract: *Rapid climate warming is decreasing sea ice thickness, extent
and duration. Marine mammals such as bearded (Erignathus barbatus) and
ringed (Pusa hispida) seals, which use sea ice for pupping, molting and
resting, may be negatively affected. Claws from bearded and ringed seals
store up to 14 and 12 years of sequential analyte data, respectively. These
data can be used to compare reproduction, stress and diet across decades.
In this study, we compare progesterone, cortisol and carbon and nitrogen
stable isotopes in female bearded and ringed seals during 1953–1968
(pre-1968, a period prior to sea ice decline) to 1998–2014 (post-1998, a
period during sea ice decline). When comparing these periods, bearded seals
had statistically higher cortisol concentrations post-1998, and for both
species δ13C was more negative post-1998, while progesterone and δ15N did
not change. There was a positive relationship between progesterone and
cortisol Z-scores for both species, except for ringed seals post-1998.
There was a negative relationship between cortisol Z-scores and δ13C for
bearded seals evident in post-1998 indicating that higher cortisol Z-scores
are associated with more negative δ13C in bearded seals in recent years.
This negative relationship between cortisol and δ13C in bearded seals
suggests a shift to higher prey diversity, possibly due to changes in sea
ice in the Pacific Arctic evident post 1998. Progesterone Z-scores
corresponded to expected differences among non-pregnant, unimplanted,
implanted and post-partum individuals. Using these data, pregnancy history
was determined for reproductive years for each individual female sampled,
which could allow for yearly pregnancy rates to be calculated given a large
enough representative sample of the population. These results combine
decades of observational studies with hormones and stable isotopes to infer
changes in reproduction, stress and diet, as well as the connection between
these life history parameters.

Should you have any questions or have trouble accessing the article, please
email the corresponding author, Dani Crain, at ddiancr...@gmail.com

Dani

-- 

Danielle Crain
Baylor University | PhD candidate 2021
Duke University | MEM, 2012
UC Santa Cruz | B.Sc, 2009
E-mail: ddiancr...@gmail.com
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[MARMAM] New article: HAB toxin trends in New England marine mammals

[Spencer Fire]

Happy new year MARMAM-ers!

My collaborators and I are pleased to announce the publication of our recent 
article, "An assessment of temporal, spatial and taxonomic trends in harmful 
algal toxin exposure in stranded marine mammals from the U.S. New England 
coast", in PLOS ONE.


Abstract:
Despite a long-documented history of severe harmful algal blooms (HABs) in New 
England coastal waters, corresponding HAB-associated marine mammal mortality 
events in this region are far less frequent or severe relative to other regions 
where HABs are common. This long-term survey of the HAB toxins saxitoxin (STX) 
and domoic acid (DA) demonstrates significant and widespread exposure of these 
toxins in New England marine mammals, across multiple geographic, temporal and 
taxonomic groups. Overall, 19% of the 458 animals tested positive for one or 
more toxins, with 15% and 7% testing positive for STX and DA, respectively. 74% 
of the 23 different species analyzed demonstrated evidence of toxin exposure. 
STX was most prevalent in Maine coastal waters, most frequently detected in 
common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), and most often detected during July and 
October. DA was most prevalent in animals sampled in offshore locations and in 
bycaught animals, and most frequently detected in mysticetes, with humpback 
whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) testing positive at the highest rates. Feces 
and urine appeared to be the sample matrices most useful for determining the 
presence of toxins in an exposed animal, with feces samples having the highest 
concentrations of STX or DA. No relationship was found between the bloom season 
of toxin-producing phytoplankton and toxin detection rates, however STX was 
more likely to be present in July and October. No relationship between marine 
mammal dietary preference and frequency of toxin detection was observed. These 
findings are an important part of a framework for assessing future marine 
mammal morbidity and mortality events, as well as monitoring ecosystem health 
using marine mammals as sentinel organisms for predicting coastal ocean changes.


Citation:

Fire SE, Bogomolni A, DiGiovanni RA Jr, Early G, Leighfield TA, Matassa K, 
Miller GA, Moore KMT, Moore M, Niemeyer M, Pugliares K, Wang Z, Wenzel FW. 
(2021) An assessment of temporal, spatial and taxonomic trends in harmful algal 
toxin exposure in stranded marine mammals from the U.S. New England coast. PLoS 
ONE 16(1): e0243570.



https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0243570

Feel free to contact me directly for any comments or questions.
Best regards,

SF

---
Spencer Fire, Ph.D.
Asst. Professor of Biological Sciences
Florida Institute of Technology
150 W. University Blvd.
Melbourne, FL 32901
321.674.7138
sf...@fit.edu
The Fire Lab website
The Fire Lab on Instagram

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[MARMAM] New Article on Prevalence and relative abundance of barnacles Xenobalanus globicipitis

[Serrano Solis Arturo]

Dear Marmamers,
   The following paper has been published:

Gómez-Hernández, I., Serran, A., Becerril-Gómez, C., Basañez-Muñoz, A. & 
Naval-Ávila, C. 2020. Prevalence and relative abundance of barnacles 
Xenobalanus globicipitis of the bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus 
populations in the southern Gulf of Mexico. Revista de Biología Marina y 
Oceanografía. 55 (2): 172-176. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22370/rbmo.2020.55.2.2503


  Abstract

Xenobalanus globicipitis is a commensal barnacle located on cetacean fin edges. 
The commensal-host interaction between Xenobalanus globicipitis and the 
bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) has been poorly studied in Mexico. The 
main objective was to estimate the relative barnacle prevalence and abundance 
in bottlenose dolphins in three areas and seasons of the Gulf of Mexico. 
Tamiahua zone showed the higher prevalence (42.4%) and relative abundance (0.60 
barnacles/individual/hr-1) compared to Tuxpan and Nautla zones. Whereas, in dry 
season there were higher prevalence (55.6%) and relative abundance (0.53 
barnacles/ individual/hr-1) than rainy and winter storm seasons. Therefore, 
zones and seasons of the Gulf of Mexico influence the barnacle- dolphin 
interactions.


  Best wishes,


Arturo Serrano, Ph.D.
Director
School of Biological & Agricultural Sciences
Universidad Veracruzana
Tel.: (783) 834 8979
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[MARMAM] New article: Demographic parameters of a free-ranging deep-diving cetacean, the long-finned pilot whale

[Philippe Verborgh]

Good afternoon,
We apologise for cross posting and are pleased to share our new article: 
Verborgh, P., Gauffier, P., Esteban, R. and de Stephanis, R. (2020). 
Demographic parameters of a free-ranging deep-diving cetacean, the long-finned 
pilot whale. Marine Mammal Science. DOI: 10./mms.12752 Abstract:
Demographic parameters provide baselines to estimate future population 
trajectories which can then be used in management decisions. The aim here was 
to estimate demographic parameters of long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala 
melas) from the Strait of Gibraltar by fitting mark-recapture models to 
photo-identification data of pri- mary and secondary marked individuals. These 
parameters were used to forecast the future population trajectories in a 
population viability analysis (PVA) given different scenarios of demographic 
rates. Survival rate increased with age from 0.629, 95% CI [0.409, 0.805] for 
calves, 0.869, 95% CI [0.758, 0.934] for juveniles, to 0.972, 95% CI [0.953, 
0.983] for adults. A preliminary mean observed interval of viable calves was 
4.5 years. The PVA estimated the population would persist over 100 years with a 
100% probability for all scenarios except those with lower 95% CI survival 
values, for which the probability of extinction reached 100%. Popu- lation 
growth rate was negative in all scenarios except those with 95% CI upper 
survival values. Interbirth interval and juvenile survival were found most 
influential and depended on the correct identification of secondary marked 
(e.g., calves and juveniles) individuals on a long-term basis. This population 
was found in a precarious state prior to a morbillivirus outbreak that might 
even more endanger its long-term viability. 
The article can be accessed in the following link: 
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10./mms.12752
Or by request at my email: philippeverborgh(a)gmail.com
 
Thank you,
Philippe Verborgh and co-authors
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[MARMAM] New Article: Repeated Vessel Interactions and Climate- or Fishery-Driven Changes in Prey Density Limit Energy Acquisition by Foraging Blue Whales

[Marie Guilpin]

Dear MARMAM,

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our new
paper in Frontiers in M
arine
Science:

Guilpin M, Lesage V, McQuinn I, Brosset P, Doniol-Valcroze T,
Jeanniard-du-Dot T and Winkler G (2020) Repeated Vessel Interactions and
Climate- or Fishery-Driven Changes in Prey Density Limit Energy Acquisition
by Foraging Blue Whales. Front. Mar. Sci. 7:626.

ABSTRACT: Blue whale survival and fitness are highly contingent on
successful food intake during an intense feeding season. Factors affecting
time spent at the surface or at depth in a prey patch are likely to alter
foraging effort, net energy gain, and fitness. We specifically examined the
energetic consequences of a demonstrated reduction in dive duration caused
by vessel proximity, and of krill density reductions potentially resulting
from krill exploitation or climate change. We estimated net energy gain
over a simulated 10-h foraging bout under baseline conditions, and three
scenarios, reflecting krill density reductions, vessel interactions of
different amplitudes, and their combined effects. Generally, the magnitude
of the effects increased with that of krill density reductions and duration
of vessel proximity. They were also smaller when peak densities were more
accessible, i.e., nearer to the surface. Effect size from a reduction in
krill density on net energy gain were deemed small to moderate at 5% krill
reduction, moderate to large at 10% reduction, and large at 25 and 50%
reductions. Vessels reduced cumulated net energy gain by as much as 25%
when in proximity for 3 of a 10-h daylight foraging period, and by up to
47–85% when continuously present for 10 h. The impacts of vessel proximity
on net energy gain increased with their duration. They were more important
when whales were precluded from reaching the most beneficial peak
densities, and when these densities were located at deeper depths. When
krill densities were decreased by 5% or more, disturbing foraging blue
whales for 3 h could reduce their net energy gain by ≥30%. For this
endangered western North Atlantic blue whale population, a decrease in net
energy gain through an altered krill preyscape or repeated vessel
interactions is of particular concern, as this species relies on a
relatively short feeding season to accumulate energy reserves and to fuel
reproduction. This study highlights the importance of distance limits
during whale-watching operations to ensure efficient feeding, as well as
the vulnerability of this specialist to fluctuations in krill densities.

The paper is open access and available here:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2020.00626/full

Best regards,
Marie Guilpin

Marie Guilpin, PhD Candidate in Oceanography
Université du Québec à Rimouski - Institut des Sciences de la Mer de
Rimouski
300, allée des Ursulines Rimouski, Qc, G5L 3A1, Canada
Phone: (418) 723-1986 poste #1252 O.202
marieguil...@gmail.com
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[MARMAM] New article on the use of drone for blow sampling in small odontocetes

[Sandro Mazzariol]

Dear collegues

we're happy to share with you the publication on Plos One of a paper 
investigating the application of a specific sampling tool attached to a 
UAV to analyze the blow from small cetaceans and their respiratory 
microbiome.



*Centelleghe C, Carraro L, Gonzalvo J, Rosso M, Esposti E, Gili C, 
Bonato M., Pedrotti D., Cardazzo B, Povinelli M., Mazzariol S. (2020) 
The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to sample the blow microbiome 
of small cetaceans. PLoS ONE 15(7): e0235537. 
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0235537*




Recent studies describe the use of UAVs in collecting blow samples from 
large whales to analyze the microbial and viral community in exhaled 
air. Unfortunately, attempts to collect blow from small cetaceans have 
not been successful due to their swimming and diving behavior. In order 
to overcome these limitations, in this study we investigated the 
application of a specific sampling tool attached to a UAV to analyze the 
blow from small cetaceans and their respiratory microbiome. Preliminary 
trials to set up the sampling tool were conducted on a group of 6 
bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) under human care, housed at 
Acquario di Genova, with approximately 1 meter distance between the 
blowing animal and the tool to obtain suitable samples. The same 
sampling kit, suspended via a 2 meter rope assembled on a waterproof 
UAV, flying 3 meters above the animals, was used to sample the blows of 
5 wild bottlenose dolphins in the Gulf of Ambracia (Greece) and a sperm 
whale (Physeter macrocephalus) in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea (Italy), 
to investigate whether this experimental assembly also works for large 
whale sampling. In order to distinguish between blow-associated microbes 
and seawater microbes, we pooled 5 seawater samples from the same area 
where blow samples' collection were carried out. The the respiratory 
microbiota was assessed by using the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene 
via Illumina Amplicon Sequencing. The pooled water samples contained 
more bacterial taxa than the blow samples of both wild animals and the 
sequenced dolphin maintained under human care. The composition of the 
bacterial community differed between the water samples and between the 
blow samples of wild cetaceans and that under human care, but these 
differences may have been mediated by different microbial communities 
between seawater and aquarium water. The sperm whale's respiratory 
microbiome was more similar to the results obtained from wild bottlenose 
dolphins. Although the number of samples used in this study was limited 
and sampling and analyses were impaired by several limitations, the 
results are rather encouraging, as shown by the evident microbial 
differences between seawater and blow samples, confirmed also by the 
meta-analysis carried out comparing our results with those obtained in 
previous studies. Collecting exhaled air from small cetaceans using 
drones is a challenging process, both logistically and technically. The 
success in obtaining samples from small cetacean blow in this study in 
comparison to previous studies is likely due to the distance the 
sampling kit is suspended from the drone, which reduced the likelihood 
that the turbulence of the drone propeller interfered with successfully 
sampling blow, suggested as a factor leading to poor success in previous 
studies.



The publication can be found at the link here below

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0235537


Sandro Mazzariol

--
Prof. Sandro Mazzariol, DVM, PhD
Dipartimento di Biomedicina Comparata e Alimentazione (BCA) - Università degli 
Studi di Padova
Cetaceans strandings Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Centro Interuniversitario per la Ricerca sui CEtacei (CIRCE)

AGRIPOLIS - Ed. Museo
Viale dell'Università 16
35020 - Legnaro (PD)

tel.: +39 049 827 2963
fax:  +39 049 827 2973
skype: smazzariol

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[MARMAM] New article on phylogeography and demographic history of narwhals

[Marie Louis]

Dear all,

We are pleased to share our publication:

Louis. M., Skovrind M., Castruita J.A.S., Garilao C., Kaschner K., 
Gopalakrishnan S., Haile J., Lydersen C., Kovacs K.M., Garde E., 
Heide-Jørgensen M.P., Postma L., Ferguson S.H., Willerslev E., Lorenzen E.D. 
2020. Influence of past climate change on phylogeography and demographic 
history of narwhals, Modonon monoceros. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: 
Biological Sciences. doi: 
https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2019.2964



Abstract

The Arctic is warming at an unprecedented rate, with unknown consequences for 
endemic fauna. However, Earth has experienced severe climatic oscillations in 
the past, and understanding how species responded to them might provide insight 
into their resilience to near-future climatic predictions. Little is known 
about the responses of Arctic marine mammals to past climatic shifts, but 
narwhals (Monodon monoceros) are considered one of the endemic Arctic species 
most vulnerable to environmental change. Here, we analyse 121 complete 
mitochondrial genomes from narwhals sampled across their range and use them in 
combination with species distribution models to elucidate the influence of past 
and ongoing climatic shifts on their population structure and demographic 
history. We find low levels of genetic diversity and limited geographic 
structuring of genetic clades. We show that narwhals experienced a long-term 
low effective population size, which increased after the Last Glacial Maximum, 
when the amount of suitable habitat expanded. Similar post-glacial habitat 
release has been a key driver of population size expansion of other polar 
marine predators. Our analyses indicate that habitat availability has been 
critical to the success of narwhals, raising concerns for their fate in an 
increasingly warming Arctic.


The article is available 
at: 
https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2019.2964

On behalf of all co-authors,

Eline and Marie

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[MARMAM] New article on drone-based photoID of manatees in Endangered Species Research

[Eric Angel Ramos]

Greetings MARMAM,

We are pleased to announce the publication of our newest Open Access
article on using small drones for photo-identification of Antillean
manatees in Endangered Species Research titled “Using small drones to
photo-identify Antillean manatees: a novel method for monitoring an
endangered marine mammal in the Caribbean Sea.”

The article is part of the ESR Special: Drones in Conservation.

ABSTRACT
Population assessments and species monitoring for many endangered marine
megafauna are limited by the challenges of identifying and tracking
individuals that live underwater in remote and sometimes inaccessible
areas. Manatees can acquire scars from watercraft injury and other
incidences that can be used to identify individuals. Here we describe a
novel method for photo-identification of Antillean manatees Trichechus
manatus manatus using aerial imagery captured during flights with a small
multirotor drone. Between 2016 and 2017, we conducted 103 flights to detect
and observe manatees in Belize, primarily at St. George’s Caye (SGC) near
the Belize Barrier Reef. Review of aerial videos from these flights
resulted in 279 sightings of manatees (245 adults, 34 calves).
High-resolution images of individual manatees were extracted and classified
according to image quality and distinctiveness of individual manatees for
photo-identification. High-quality images of manatees classified as
sufficiently distinctive were used to create a catalog of 17 identifiable
individuals. At SGC, 21% of all sighted adult manatees (N = 214) were
considered photo-identifiable over time. We suggest that the method can be
used for investigating individual site fidelity, habitat use, and behavior
of manatee populations. Our photo-identification protocol has the potential
to improve long-term monitoring of Antillean manatees in Belize and can be
applied throughout clear, shallow waters in the Caribbean and elsewhere.

The article can be found at the following link:

https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v41/p79-90/

Cite this article as: Landeo-Yauri SS, Ramos EA, Castelblanco-Martínez DN,
Niño-Torres CA, Searle L (2020) Using small drones to photo-identify
Antillean manatees: a novel method for monitoring an endangered marine
mammal in the Caribbean Sea. Endang Species Res 41:79-90.

If you have any questions or want to discuss our research please contact
the corresponding author Sarah Landeo-Yauri: sslan...@gmail.com

Cheers,

*
Eric Angel Ramos
Ph. D. Candidate in Animal Behavior & Comparative Psychology
The Graduate Center, City University of New York
E-mail: eric.angel.ra...@gmail.com


On Mon, Feb 3, 2020 at 2:04 PM  wrote:

> Send MARMAM mailing list submissions to
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>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
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> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
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> You can reach the person managing the list at
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>
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of MARMAM digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
>1. new publication on whale temporomandibular joint (Alex Werth)
>
>
> --
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Fri, 31 Jan 2020 20:38:21 +
> From: Alex Werth 
> To: "marmam@lists.uvic.ca" 
> Subject: [MARMAM] new publication on whale temporomandibular joint
> Message-ID:
> <
> dm5pr0801mb3829eb644b2f7a1ff650333ac5...@dm5pr0801mb3829.namprd08.prod.outlook.com
> >
>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="gb2312"
>
> On behalf of my colleagues (Haruka Ito and Keiichi Ueda) I am pleased to
> announce the publication of our new article in the Journal of Morphology on
> whale feeding and TMJ motion:
> https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10974687
>
> Werth, A.J., H. Ito, and K. Ueda. Multiaxial movements at the minke whale
> temporomandibular joint. Journal of Morphology, 2020;1?11.
> https://doi.org/10.1002/
> jmor.21107
>
>
> Abstract: Mandibular mobility accompanying gape change in Northern and
> Antarctic minke whales was investigated by manipulating jaws of carcasses,
> recording jaw movements via digital instruments (inclinometers,
> accelerometers, and goniometers), and examining osteological and soft
> tissue movements via computed tomography (CT)?scans. We investigated
> longitudinal (?) rotation of the mandible and mediolateral displacement at
> the symphysis (?1) and temporomandibular joint (?2) as the mouth opened
> (?). Results indicated three phases of jaw opening. In the first phase, as
> gape increased from zero to 8?, there was slight (<1?) ? and ? rotation. As
> gape increased between 20 and 30?, the mandibles rotated slightly laterally
> (Mean 3?), the posterior condyles were slightly medially displaced (Mean
> 4?), and the anterior ends at the symphysis were laterally displaced 

[MARMAM] new article on common dolphin -fishery interactions

[Hélène Peltier]

Dear colleagues,

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce you the publication of a new 
article : /

/

Peltier, H., Authier, M., Dabin, W., Dars, C., Demaret, F., Doremus, G., 
Van Canneyt, O., Laran, S., Mendez-Fernandez, P., Spitz, J., Daniel, P., 
Ridoux, V. /(/2020) /Can modelling the drift of bycaught dolphin 
stranded carcasses help identify involved fisheries? An exploratory 
study. /Global Ecology and Conservation. vol. 21. e00843.


The aim of this work is to test an approach that could help identify the 
fisheries potentially involved in a given stranding event. We explored 
this methodology during the multiple stranding event of common dolphins 
in winter 2017 along  the French Atlantic coasts, related to fishery 
interactions.


Abstract:

Between the 1st of February and the March 31, 2017, 793 stranded 
cetaceans were found along the French Atlantic coasts. Common dolphins 
made up 84% of these strandings, and most of these presented evidence of 
death in fishing gear. The aim of this work is to test an approach that 
could help identify the fisheries potentially involved in a given 
stranding event. To do this we examined how the distributions of likely 
areas of mortality of bycaught dolphins, inferred from carcass drift 
modelling, coincide with fishing effort statistics of various fleets, 
generated from the Vessel Monitoring System, in the area over the same 
dates. Using reverse drift modelling, two main mortality areas were 
identified. A total of 3690 common dolphins (IC95% [2230; 6900]) were 
estimated to have died in fishing gear within the Bay of Biscay during 
this unusual stranding event. There was a positive correlation between 
the origin of stranded bycaught dolphins and the fishing effort 
distribution of French midwater pair trawlers, Spanish otter bottom 
trawlers and French Danish seiners. This co-occurrence highlights a risk 
and identifies fisheries that require further investigation (through 
observers or e-monitoring). These fisheries differed in their fishing 
gear, but two characteristics appear to be shared: they targeted 
predatory fishes (sea bass and hake) in winter and used high vertical 
opening gear.


The paper is freely available online:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00843

We wish you great Christmas holidays!

Best wishes

On behalf of all co-authors, Helene Peltier


--
--


Hélène PELTIER -PhD

Observatoire PELAGIS UMS 3462
Université de La Rochelle-CNRS
5, allées de l'océan
17000 La Rochelle, France

LD: +33 (0) 5 46 50 76 83
St: +33 (0) 5 46 44 99 10

http://observatoire-pelagis.cnrs.fr/

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[MARMAM] New article on French Guiana cetaceans and seabirds

[Ludivine Martinez]

Dear Marmam colleagues,

My co-authors and I are pleased to share our paper on marine mammals and 
seabirds off French Guiana.


Martinez, L., Geraldes, D., Suardi, A., Wyss, V., Dutrieux, E., & 
Chaineau, C. (2019). New sightings records of marine mammals and 
seabirds off French Guiana. /Latin American Journal of Aquatic 
Research/, 47(5), 753-763. 
doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3856/vol47-issue5-fulltext-4


French Guiana region is one of the most productive in the world and 
hosts a wide variety of marine vertebrates. In the same time, 
anthropogenic activities are a growing concern in French Guiana, both in 
coastal and offshore areas. However, few studies are published on marine 
marine mammals, seabirds and potential interactions. Twenty-three marine 
mammal species are known to occur in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) 
and important seabird breeding sites are located in the area. Most of 
the existing literature relates to breeding birds and coastal cetaceans, 
but the continental slope appears to be an essential habitat for marine 
mammals and seabirds. Between October 22 and November 23, 2017, an 
oceanographic survey was conducted on the Guiana slope to study the 
quality of sediments and water. Three marine fauna observers (MFOs) were 
onboard to record sightings of marine mammals and seabirds 
opportunistically. During 462 h of visual effort in good sighting 
conditions, 313 sightings (824 individuals) were recorded: 61 marine 
mammals (501 individuals) and 252 seabirds (323 individuals). Seven 
seabird families were observed: Laridae (42%), Fregatidae (26%), 
Procellariidae (12%), Stercorariidae (10%), Hydrobatidae (4%), Sulidae 
(2%) and Phaethontidae (1%). 3% concerned wader species. The most 
frequently observed seabird species was the magnificent frigatebird 
(/Fregata magnificens/), as well as the common tern (/Sterna hirundo/), 
Cory’s shearwater (/Calonectris diomedea/) and the pomarine jaeger 
(/Stercorarius pomarinus/). Many Delphinidae species were observed 
(/Stenella longirostris/,/Stenella attenuata/,/Stenella 
frontalis/,/Delphinus delphis/,/Tursiops truncatus/) in addition to 
sperm whales (/Physeter macrocephalus/) and humpback whales (/Megaptera 
novaeangliae/). Only a few sightings of humpback whales have been 
previously recorded in this area. Sighted individuals were mainly 
mother-calf pairs suggesting that the area may be an extended part of a 
calving ground for humpback whales.


The open access paper can be downloaded here: 
http://lajar.ucv.cl/index.php/rlajar/article/view/vol47-issue5-fulltext-4/1116


Kind regards,

--

Ludivine Martinez
Responsable Cohabys
ADERA
05 46 50 76 71 (LD)
06 32 84 65 74 (M)
ludivine.marti...@univ-lr.fr

http://cohabys.fr

La Rochelle Université
Institut du Littoral et de l'Environnement
2 rue Olympe de Gouges
Bureau 145 - 17000 La Rochelle

univ-larochelle.fr 

Facebook  | Twitter 
 | Instagram 
 | Linkedin 
 | YouTube 



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[MARMAM] New Article: Foraging energetics and prey density requirements of western North Atlantic blue whales in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada

[Marie Guilpin]

Dear MARMAM,

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our new
paper in Marine Ecology Progress Series:

Guilpin M, Lesage V, McQuinn I, Goldbogen JA, Potvin J, Jeanniard-du-Dot T,
Doniol-Valcroze T, Michaud R, Moisan M, Winkler G (2019) Foraging
energetics and prey density requirements of western North Atlantic blue
whales in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada. Mar Ecol Prog Ser
625:205-223.
https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13043  

ABSTRACT: Foraging efficiency (FE) is determined by the ratio of energy
intake to energy expenditure and represents a metric for estimating the
capacity to store energy. Blue whales Balaenoptera musculus rely mostly on
stored energy reserves for reproduction. They feed almost exclusively on
krill, which vary in density and abundance both spatially and temporally.
We used 10 depth−velocity archival tags deployed on blue whales foraging in
the St. Lawrence Estuary, Canada, to identify feeding events. We modeled
krill densities required to equal or exceed energy expenditures and allow
energy storage. During the daytime, blue whales generally dove deeper and
performed fewer but longer feeding dives than at other times of the diel
cycle (10 vs. 28 feeding dives h−1); however, they performed more lunges
per dive during daytime (3 vs. 1 lunge dive−1), which resulted in a stable
feeding rate around the clock. Only 11.7 and 5.5% of the Arctic and
northern krill patches measured in situ contained densities allowing blue
whales to achieve neutral energetic balance (FE = 1); less than 1.5% of
patches allowed FE of Ñ3. While FE leading to successful reproduction and
adequate fitness is unknown, these results underscore the necessity for
blue whales to seek the highest densities within patches to reach neutral
balance or allow energy storage. These findings further our understanding
of blue whale foraging ecology and habitat suitability, and may help
predict the effects of climate and natural variability or of potential
fisheries on krill densities and blue whale condition.

Please feel free to e-mail me at marieguil...@gmail.com for a pdf of the
paper.

Best regards,

Marie Guilpin

Marie Guilpin, PhD Candidate in Oceanography
Université du Québec à Rimouski - Institut des Sciences de la Mer de
Rimouski
300, allée des Ursulines Rimouski, Qc, G5L 3A1
marieguil...@gmail.com
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[MARMAM] new article

[Samira Costa da Silva]

Dear Colleagues,


On behalf of all co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of
our article about *Toxoplasma gondii* in cetaceans of Brazil.


Costa-Silva S, Sacristan C, Gonzales-Viera O, Diaz-Delgado J,
Sanchez-Sarmiento AM, Marigo J, Groch KR, Carvalho VL, Ewbank AC, Colosio
AC, Marcondes MCC, de Meirelles ACO, Bertozzi CP, Lailson-Brito JJr,
Azevedo AF, Ruoppolo V, Oliveira L, Ott PH, Catao-Dias JL. (2019). *Toxoplasma
gondii *in cetaceans of Brazil: a histopathological and immunohistochemical
survey. Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Parasitology. Brazilian Journal of
Veterinary Parasitology.

In this manuscript we investigated the occurrence of *T. gondii *by
histopathology and immunohistochemistry in tissue samples of 185 animals
comprising 20 different cetacean species from Brazil. Three out of 185
(1.6%) animals presented *T. gondii*-associated lesions: a captive killer
whale *Orcinus orca*, a free-ranging common bottlenose dolphin *Tursiops
truncatus* and a free-ranging Guiana dolphin *Sotalia guianensis*. The main
lesions observed in these animals were necrotizing hepatitis, adrenalitis
and lymphadenitis associated with protozoal cysts or extracellular
tachyzoites presenting immunolabeling with anti-*T. gondii* antibodies.
This study widens the spectrum of species and the geographic range of this
agent in Brazil, and provides the first reports of* T. gondii *infection in
a captive killer whale and in a free-ranging common bottlenose dolphin in
South America.

You can discover more in the link

http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rbpv/2019nahead/1984-2961-rbpv-S1984-29612019051.pdf



The article is available at link above or email: costasilva.sam...@gmail.com



Best regards


*Samira Costa Silva*

-- 


Samira Costa da Silva
Veterinary,
Ph.D. student at Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal
Health of School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science,
University of São Paulo

Médica Veterinária
Doutoranda no Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde
Animal da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia,
Universidade de São Paulo

email:costasilva.sam...@gmail.com
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[MARMAM] New Article: Transmission beam pattern and dynamics of a spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris)

[Adam Smith]

Dear Colleagues,

My coauthors and I are pleased to announce the online publication of our
new paper in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America:

Smith AB, Pacini AF, Nachtigall PE, Laule GE, Aragones LV, Magno C, Suarez
LJA (2019) Transmission beam pattern and dynamics of a spinner dolphin
(*Stenella
longirostris*). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 145(6).
https://doi.org/10.1121/1.5111347

Copies can be obtained at the above link or by contacting me directly.

Abstract: Toothed whales possess a sophisticated biosonar system by which
ultrasonic clicks are projected in a highly directional transmission beam.
Beam directivity is an important biosonar characteristic that reduces
acoustic clutter and increases the acoustic detection range. This study
measured click characteristics and the transmission beam pattern from a
small odontocete, the spinner dolphin (*Stenella longirostis*). A formerly
stranded individual was rehabilitated and trained to station underwater in
front of a 16-element hydrophone array. On-axis clicks showed a mean
duration of 20.1 µs, with mean peak and centroid frequencies of 58 and 64
kHz [standard deviation (s.d.) ±30 and ±12 kHz], respectively. Clicks were
projected in an oval, vertically compressed beam, with mean vertical and
horizontal beamwidths of 14.5° (s.d. ±3.9) and 16.3° (s.d. ±4.6),
respectively. Directivity indices ranged from 14.9 to 27.4 dB, with a mean
of 21.7 dB, although this likely represents a broader beam than what is
normally produced by wild individuals. A click subset with characteristics more
similar to those described for wild individuals exhibited a mean
directivity index of 23.3 dB. Although one of the broadest transmission
beams described for a dolphin, it is similar to other small bodied
odontocetes.

Cheers,
-- 
Adam B. Smith, Ph.D.
*Guest Investigator *
*Sensory Physiology and Sensory Ecology Laboratory*
*Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution*

*Fulbright U.S. Scholar*
*University of Iceland's Research Centre in Husavik*
*Fulbright-NSF Arctic Research Initiative*
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[MARMAM] New Article: Shining new light on mammalian diving physiology using wearable near-infrared spectroscopy

[Chris McKnight]

New Article: Shining new light on mammalian diving physiology using
wearable near-infrared spectroscopy


Dear MARMAM,

We are pleased to announce the publication of our new paper in PLoS Biology:


McKnight JC, Bennett KA, Bronkhorst M, Russell DJF, Balfour S, Milne R,
Bivins M, Moss SEW, Colier W, Hall AJ and Thompson D (2019) Shining new
light on mammalian diving physiology using wearable near-infrared
spectroscopy. PLoS Biol 17(6): e3000306.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3000306



Abstract:
Investigation of marine mammal dive-by-dive blood distribution and
oxygenation has been limited by a lack of noninvasive technology for use in
freely diving animals. Here, we developed a noninvasive near-infrared
spectroscopy (NIRS) device to measure relative changes in blood volume and
haemoglobin oxygenation continuously in the blubber and brain of
voluntarily diving harbour seals. Our results show that seals routinely
exhibit preparatory peripheral vasoconstriction accompanied by increased
cerebral blood volume approximately 15 s before submersion. These
anticipatory adjustments confirm that blood redistribution in seals is
under some degree of cognitive control that precedes the mammalian dive
response. Seals also routinely increase cerebral oxygenation at a
consistent time during each dive, despite a lack of access to ambient air.
We suggest that this frequent and reproducible reoxygenation pattern,
without access to ambient air, is underpinned by previously unrecognised
changes in cerebral drainage. The ability to track blood volume and
oxygenation in different tissues using NIRS will facilitate a more accurate
understanding of physiological plasticity in diving animals in an
increasingly disturbed and exploited environment.

Please feel free to e-mail me at jc...@st-andrews.ac.uk if you have any
questions.

Best wishes,
Chris McKnight & co-authors
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[MARMAM] New article on associations between organohalogen exposure and thyroid- and steroid-related gene responses in two whale populations

[Antoine Simond]

Dear MARMAM colleagues,

On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of our
new toxicogenomic research: *Associations between organohalogen exposure
and thyroid- and steroid-related gene responses in St. Lawrence Estuary
belugas and minke whales*

Simond, A. E., Houde, M., Lesage, V., Michaud, R., Zbinden, D. and
Verreault, J.

Download the paper for free before July 13, 2019 here:
https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1Z6MD,ashtxl9

*ABSTRACT*
Elevated concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and
emerging halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) have been reported in tissues
of the endangered St. Lawrence Estuary (Canada) beluga population as well
as in minke whales visiting that same feeding area. This study examined the
linkages between blubber concentrations of POPs and emerging HFRs, and
transcription in skin of genes involved in the regulation of thyroid and
steroid axes in belugas and minke whales from the St. Lawrence Estuary. In
belugas, concentrations of PCBs, OCs and hexabromobenzene (HBB) were
positively correlated with the transcription of thyroid- and/or
steroid-related genes, while Dec-604 CB concentrations were negatively
associated with the transcription of glucocorticoid and thyroid genes. In
minke whales, PBDE concentrations changed positively with Esrβ transcript
levels and HBB concentrations negatively with Nr3c1 transcripts. Present
results suggest that several biological functions including reproduction
and energetic metabolism may represent potential targets for organohalogens
in these whales.

*HIGHLIGHTS*

   - Linkages between contaminants and endocrine-related genes were studied
   in whales.
   - PCBs, p,p’-DDE, and PBDEs were the most abundant contaminants in
   blubber of belugas.
   - Most organochlorine compounds correlated positively with Dio2 and Esrα
   in belugas.
   - HBB and Dec-604 CB correlated with thyroid- and steroid-related genes
   in belugas.
   - This study suggests that endocrine control may be impacted in highly
   exposed whales.


This study has been conducted in collaboration with Université du Québec à
Montréal, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fisheries and Oceans
Canada, the GREMM  and the Meriscope
.

**

*ANTOINE SIMOND*
*Étudiant en doctorat | PhD Student*
Département des sciences biologiques | Biological Sciences Department
Université du Québec à Montréal | University of Quebec at Montreal
C.P. , Succursale Centre-Ville | P.O. Box , Downtown branch
Montréal (Québec), Canada, H3C 3P8 | Montreal (Quebec), Canada, H3C 3P8
Bureau SB-3650 | Office SB-3650
Courriel | E-mail: simond.anto...@courrier.uqam.ca

**

«  *We feel fundamentally disconnected from nature and therefore not
responsible for the ecological consequences of our actions. Once we learn
that our very being, essence, health and happiness depend on Mother Earth,
we have no choice but to radically shift the way we treat her.* » - David
Suzuki.
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[MARMAM] new article on interaction of whale baleen with oil

[Alex Werth]

On behalf of my colleagues (Shemar Blakeney and Adrian Cothren) I am pleased to 
announce the publication of our new open-access article on the interaction of 
whale baleen with oil, which can be accessed here: 
https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.182194

Werth, A.J., S.M. Blakeney, A.I. Cothren. Oil adsorption does not structurally 
or functionally alter whale baleen. Royal Society Open Science 6(5):e182194, 
doi: 10.1098/rsos.182194


Abstract: Mysticete whales filter small prey from seawater using baleen, a 
unique keratinous oral tissue that grows from the palate, from which it hangs 
in hundreds of serial plates. Laboratory experiments testing effects of oils on 
material strength and flexibility, particle capture, and tissue architecture of 
baleen from four mysticete species (bowhead, Balaena mysticetus; North Atlantic 
right, Eubalaena glacialis; fin, Balaenoptera physalus; humpback, Megaptera 
novaeangliae) indicate that baleen is hydrophilic and oleophobic, shedding 
rather than adsorbing oil. Oils of different weights and viscosities were 
tested, including six petroleum-based oils and two fish or plankton oils of 
common whale prey. No notable differences were found by oil type or whale 
species. Baleen did not adsorb oil; oil was readily rinsed from baleen by 
flowing water, especially from moving fringes. Microscopic examination shows 
minimal wrinkling or peeling of baleen's cortical keratin layers, likely due to 
oil repelling infiltrated water. Combined results cast doubt on fears of baleen 
fouling by oil; filter porosity is not appreciably affected, but oil ingestion 
risks remain. Particle capture studies suggest potentially greater danger to 
mysticetes from plastic pollution than oil.



Conclusions
1.Baleen is hydrophilic and oleophobic, shedding rather than adsorbing oil.
2.Oil was easily rinsed by flowing seawater, minimizing the danger of 
baleen fouling.
3.Oil did not significantly affect baleen's flexibility, strength, or 
capture of particles.
4.Histological investigation revealed slight wrinkling and peeling of 
baleen's surface keratin layers caused by prolonged oil exposure.
5.Ingestion of microplastics may pose a greater risk to whales than 
ingestion of oil, based on our findings of poor adsorption of oil to baleen, 
whereas we found baleen is highly effective in trapping and accumulating small 
plastic particles. Plastic is more likely to clog the baleen filter and thus 
perhaps more likely to be ingested by whales than oil.
Best regards,
Alex
___
Alexander J. Werth, Ph.D.
Trinkle Professor of Biology
Hampden-Sydney College
Box 162, Hampden-Sydney, VA 23943
434-223-6326, fax 434-223-6374
http://www.hsc.edu/alex-werth

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[MARMAM] New Article: A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based method for assessing the hydrodynamic impact of animal borne data loggers on host marine mammals.

[Chris McKnight]

New Article: A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based method for
assessing the hydrodynamic impact of animal borne data loggers on host
marine mammals.

Dear MARMAM,

We are pleased to announce our publication:

Kyte A., Pass C., Pemberton R., Sharman M. and McKnight J. C (2019). A
computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based method for assessing the
hydrodynamic impact of animal borne data loggers on host marine mammals.
Marine Mammal Science.
https://doi.org/10./mms.12540


Abstract:

Animal‐borne data loggers (ABDLs) or “tags” are regularly used to elucidate
animal ecology and physiology, but current literature highlights the need
to assess associated deleterious impacts including increased resistive
force to motion. Previous studies have used computational fluid dynamics
(CFD) to estimate this impact, but many suffer limitations (*e.g*.,
inaccurate turbulence modeling, neglecting boundary layer transition,
neglecting added mass effects, and analyzing the ABDL in isolation from the
animal).

A novel CFD‐based method is presented in which a “tag impact envelope” is
defined utilizing simulations with and without transition modeling to
define upper and lower drag limits, respectively, and added mass
coefficients are found *via* simulations with sinusoidally varying inlet
velocity, with modified Navier‐Stokes conservation of momentum equations
enforcing a shift to the animal's noninertial reference frame. The method
generates coefficients for calculating total resistive force for any
velocity and acceleration combination, and is validated against theory for
a prolate spheroid. An example case shows ABDL drag impact on a harp seal
of 11.21%–16.24%, with negligible influence on added mass.

By considering the effects of added mass and boundary layer transition, the
approach presented is an enhancement to the CFD‐based ABDL impact
assessment methods previously applied by researchers.


Best wishes,
Chris McKnight
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[MARMAM] New article: Review on Risso's dolphins in Taiwanese waters

[Inge Chen]

Dear colleagues,

On behave of my colleagues, I am delighted to announce our review paper about 
Risso’s dolphins in Taiwanese waters was published earlier last month:


Hsin-Yi Yu, Ing Chen, Wen-Ta Li, and Lien-Siang Chou. 2019. Ecological and 
Biological Characteristics for the Risso's Dolphins (Grampus griseus) Off 
Taiwan, with Conservation Evaluations on Potential Anthropogenic Threats. 
Mammal Study 44(2), 77-89. DOI: 10.3106/ms2018-0038

*Abstract*

Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) is one of the cetacean species commonly 
encountered off the eastern coast of Taiwan. The species appears to occur in 
Taiwanese waters year-round. Many biological and ecological characteristics, 
including group size, habitat preference, and ages at weaning and sexual 
maturity, are by-and-large in accord with earlier reports for populations in 
other geographic regions. Morphological assessments, dietary analyses, and 
genetic data altogether suggest the dolphins found in Taiwanese and Japanese 
waters are from the same population, which exhibits high genetic diversity and 
a sign of recent demographic expansion. The dolphin species is endorsed a “Rare 
and Valuable Species (Class II)” status and is protected by the Wildlife 
Conservation Act in Taiwan. However, it is still vulnerable to human 
activities, in terms of whale-watching tourism and coastal gill-net fisheries, 
with a growing concern on the level of heavy metal residues found in dolphin 
tissues. Current knowledge for the species is mostly derived from relatively 
limited information. Assessments on key biological and ecological features, 
e.g., population size, residency, social structure, and group composition, 
shall be prioritised for conservation initiatives.

Full-text access is available for BioOne Complete subscribers 
(https://bioone.org/journals/Mammal-Study/volume-44/issue-2/ms2018-0038/Ecological-and-Biological-Characteristics-for-the-Rissos-Dolphins-iGrampus-griseus/10.3106/ms2018-0038.short
 
);
 but please feel free to contact one of the authors or myself (chen.inge /at/ 
gmail.com) for a private pdf copy. 


Regards,

Ing Chen


Ing Chen, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Division of Science, Yale-NUS College
National University of Singapore
16 College Avenue West, 138527, Singapore
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[MARMAM] New article: Epizootic effect and aftermath in a pilot whale population

[Philippe Verborgh]

Good afternoon,
We apologise for cross posting and are pleased to share our new article: 
Verborgh, P., P. Gauffier, C. Brévart, J. Giménez, R. Esteban, M. Carbou, E. 
Debons, and R. de Stephanis. 2019. Epizootic effect and aftermath in a pilot 
whale population. Aquatic Conserv. Mar. Freshw. Ecosyst.:1–9. 
DOI:10.1002/aqc.3082
Abstract:1. Over the last three decades, emerging infectious diseases have 
resulted in large mortalities in wild populations.2. Different strains of 
Morbillivirus have infected cetaceans all over the world and caused at least 
seven epizootics since the 1980s, but few data exist on their effect at the 
population level.3. The demographic effect of a morbillivirus epizootic was 
studied on a well‐monitored resident population of long‐finned pilot whales in 
the Strait of Gibraltar.4. Results show decreases in population size and 
apparent survival rate, especially in males, as well as negative population 
growth rates during the epizootic and the following years.5. Although different 
anthropogenic and natural factors may have acted in conjunction, the epizootic 
was most likely the cause of this observed decline.6. This epizootic, and 
potential future ones, may put the population's future at even greater risk, 
and their habitat is threatened by increasing anthropogenic stress.
The article can be accessed freely in the following link: 
https://rdcu.be/bzBCPOr by request at my email: philippeverborgh(a)gmail.com
Thank you,Philippe Verborgh and co-authors

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[MARMAM] New Article: Empirical determination of severe trauma in seals from collisions with tidal turbine blades

[Joseph Onoufriou]

New Article: Empirical determination of severe trauma in seals from
collisions with tidal turbine blades

Dear MARMAM,


We are pleased to announce the publication of our new paper in Journal of
Applied Ecology:


Onoufriou, J. , Brownlow, A. , Moss, S. , Hastie, G. and Thompson, D.
(2019) Empirical determination of severe trauma in seals from collisions
with tidal turbine blades. J Appl Ecol. Accepted Author Manuscript. doi:
10./1365-2664.13388 


Abstract:

1.Tidal energy converters (turbines) are being developed in many countries
as part of attempts to reduce reliance on hydrocarbon fuels. However, the
moving blades of tidal turbines pose potential collision risks for marine
animals. Accurate assessment of mortality risk as a result of collisions is
essential for risk management during planning and consenting processes for
marine energy developments. In the absence of information on the physical
consequences of such collisions, predicting likely risks relies on
theoretical collision risk models. The application of these at a population
level usually assumes that all collisions result in mortality. This is
unlikely and the approach therefore produces upwardly biased estimates of
population consequences.

2.In this study, we estimate the pathological consequences of direct
collisions with tidal turbines using seal carcasses and physical models of
tidal turbine blades. We quantify severe trauma at a range of impact speeds
and to different areas of seal carcasses. A dose‐response model was
developed with associated uncertainty to determine an impact speed
threshold of severe trauma to use in future collision risk models.

3.Results showed that severe trauma was restricted to the thoracic region,
with no evidence of injury to the lumbar or cervical spine. Pathological
indicators of mortality were only predicted to occur in collision speeds in
excess of 5.1 m.s−1 (95% c.i. 3.2 to 6.6) and was affected by body
condition; increasing blubber depth reduced the likelihood of severe trauma.

4*.Synthesis and applications*. This study provides important information
for policy makers and regulators looking to predict the potential impacts
of tidal turbines on marine mammals. We demonstrate that the probability of
severe trauma in seals due to collisions with turbine blades is highly
dependent upon collision speed, and that the majority of predicted
collisions are unlikely to cause fatal skeletal trauma. We recommend that
collision risk models incorporate appropriate mortality assumptions to
ensure accurate estimates of the population consequences are produced in
risk assessments for tidal turbine deployment

please feel free to e-mail me at *j...@st-andrews.ac.uk
* if you have any questions.

Best wishes,

Joe Onoufriou & co-authors
Joe
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[MARMAM] New article how breath-holding affect breathing in dolphins?

[Andreas]

Dear all,
 
Me and my co-authors are pleased to share our recent publication with you:
 Fahlman, A., Brodsky, M., Miedler, S., Dennison, S., Ivančić, M., Levine, G., 
Rocho-Levine, J., Manley, M., Rocabert, J., Borque Espinosa, A., 2019. 
Ventilation and gas exchange before and after voluntary static surface 
breath-holds in clinically healthy bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. J. 
Exp. Biol. 222, 1-9. doi: 10.1242/jeb.192211

The article describes changes in lung function and end-expired O2 following 
status surface apneas up to 5 min in the bottle nose dolphin. 
 
A B S T R A C T
We measured respiratory flow (V̇), breathing frequency (fR), tidal volume (VT), 
breath duration and end-expired O2 content in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops 
truncatus) before and after static surface breath-holds ranging from 34 to 292 
s. There was considerable variation in the end-expired O2, VT and fR following 
a breath-hold. The analysis suggests that the dolphins attempt to minimize 
recovery following a dive by altering VT and fR to rapidly replenish the O2 
stores. For the first breath following a surface breath-hold, the end-expired 
O2decreased with dive duration, while VT and fR increased. Throughout the 
recovery period, end-expired O2 increased while the respiratory effort (VT, fR) 
decreased. We propose that the dolphins alter respiratory effort following a 
breath-hold according to the reduction in end-expired O2 levels, allowing 
almost complete recovery after 1.2 min.
 
 The article can be found at:
http://jeb.biologists.org/content/222/5/jeb192211 

JEB also offers 50 free download which canoe found at:
http://jeb.biologists.org/content/jexbio/222/5/jeb192211.full.pdf?ijkey=ql8FIWLYX0Vvl2v=finite

If you have additional questions or would like a pdf copy of the article, 
please send an email to: afahl...@whoi.edu 
 
Sincerely,
Andreas
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[MARMAM] New article on bottlenose dolphins ecotypes in Costa Rica

[CEIC-Costa Rica]

Dear colleagues, greetings from Latin America



On behalf of all co-authors, I am pleased to announce the following
publication on spatial ecology of inshore and offshore bottlenose
dolphin (*Tursiops
truncatus*) populations in western Costa Rica:



Oviedo, L., Fernández, M., Pacheco-Polanco, JD. And D. Herra-Miranda. 2019.
Spatial Analysis on The Occurrence of Inshore and Offshore Bottlenose
Dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in Osa Peninsula Waters and Golfo Dulce,
Costa Rica. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management





*Abstract*:

The aim of this assessment is to advance our understanding in the spatial
ecology of the resident in-shore and off-shore population of bottlenose
dolphins in Golfo Dulce (GD) and Osa Peninsula Waters (OPW). Our approach
used niche based models (Phillips et al., 2006, Thorne et al., 2012,
Friedlaender et al., 2011), which provided details of how dolphins use
coastal and oceanic habitats, describing the factors that influence their
distribution in the study area and identifying the critical habitats to be
considered for management and conservation. Our analyses indicate several
important aspects on the distribution of these two ecotypes of bottlenose
dolphins. As expected in the study area, these two ecological races occur
in close proximity, but differ in the structural factors of the habitat
they occupy. The inshore population uses areas close to the mouths of the
rivers as critical foraging habitats, being influenced by tidal cycles and
seasonal changes in water temperature and salinity. The offshore population
in oceanic habitats must rely on prey species found in rare, but profitable
patches, therefore, pelagic dolphins in the open ocean would often need to
travel long distances searching for these patches. Distribution models
illustrating the difference in habitat use presented in this assessment are
key to effective managements of the marine mammals’ diversity in Costa Rica.

KEYWORDS: COMMON BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN, PACIFIC OCEAN, HABITAT, MODELLING,
DISTRIBUTION, FEEDING GROUNDS

For info about publication feel free to contact me



Best

Lenin Oviedo
*--*

*Centro de Investigaciòn de Cetáceos CEIC-Costa Rica*
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[MARMAM] New article on harbour porpoise field metabolic rate

[Laia Rojano Doñate]

Dear MARMAM,

On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce our new paper 
investigating the controversial field metabolic rate of harbour porpoises using 
a combination of captive and wild data:

Rojano-Doñate, L., McDonald, B. I., Wisniewska, D. M., Johnson, M., Teilmann, 
J., Wahlberg, M., Højer-Kristensen, J. and Madsen, P. T. (2018). High field 
metabolic rates of wild harbour porpoises. Journal of Experimental Biology. 
https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.185827

Abstract: Reliable estimates of field metabolic rates (FMRs) in wild animals 
are essential for quantifying their ecological roles, as well as for evaluating 
fitness consequences of anthropogenic disturbances. Yet, standard methods for 
measuring FMR are difficult to use on free ranging cetaceans whose FMR may 
deviate substantially from scaling predictions using terrestrial mammals. 
Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) are among the smallest marine mammals, 
and yet they live in cold, high-latitude waters where their high surface-to 
volume ratio suggests high FMRs to stay warm. However, published FMR estimates 
of harbour porpoises are contradictory, with some studies claiming high FMRs 
and others concluding that the energetic requirements of porpoises resemble 
those of similar-sized terrestrial mammals. Here, we address this controversy 
using data from a combination of captive and wild porpoises to estimate the FMR 
of wild porpoises. We show that FMRs of harbour porpoises are up to two times 
greater than for similar-sized terrestrial mammals, supporting the hypothesis 
that small, carnivorous marine mammals in cold water have elevated FMRs. 
Despite the potential cost of thermoregulation in colder water, harbour 
porpoise FMRs are stable over seasonally changing water temperatures. Varying 
heat loss seems to be managed via cyclical fluctuations in energy intake, which 
serve to build up a blubber layer that largely offsets the extra costs of 
thermoregulation during winter. Such high FMRs are consistent with the recently 
reported high feeding rates of wild porpoises and highlight concerns about the 
potential impact of human activities on individual fitness and population 
dynamics.

The paper is available via the following link: 
http://jeb.biologists.org/content/221/23/jeb185827?ijkey=a81c32632395fc8e76a72365ee06eb3d9d708882=tf_ipsecsha

Please email me on 
laia.rojano.don...@gmail.com for a pdf 
copy.

Best regards,
Laia Rojano-Doñate


Laia Rojano-Doñate
PhD Fellow
Zoophysiology - Department of Bioscience
Aarhus University

C.F. Møllers Allé 3, Building 1130
8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
e-mail: lai...@bios.au.dk
tlf: +45 8715 4318
www.marinebioacoustics.com

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[MARMAM] New article: Common dolphins in the Gulf of Corinth are Critically Endangered

[Nina Santostasi]

Dear colleagues,

please find below the link to our recently published paper regarding the
conservation status assessment of a Critically Endangered subpopulation of
common dolphins in the Gulf of Corinth, Greece.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aqc.2963

Abstract
Regional populations (“subpopulations”) of globally abundant species can be
exposed to human impacts that threaten their viability. Given the value of
cetacean subpopulations as evolutionary significant units, keystone and
umbrella species, it is important to assess their conservation status
separately and propose area‐specific conservation measures.
We used a threat assessment process and applied IUCN Red List criteria to a
regional population of common dolphins Delphinus delphis in the
semi‐enclosed Gulf of Corinth, Greece. We compiled subpopulation‐specific
information about abundance and trends, estimated the geographic range of
the subpopulation (area of occupancy and extent of occurrence), and
calculated the probability of extinction through stochastic modelling.
The subpopulation qualified as Endangered according to criteria A
(population size reduction over three generations) and B (geographic
range), and as Critically Endangered under criteria C (population size and
decline) and D (very small or restricted population). The probability of
extinction was estimated to be ≥50% in three generations, qualifying the
subpopulation as Critically Endangered under criterion E (quantitative
analysis). We concluded that the subpopulation should be classified as
Critically Endangered.
Considering the high extinction risk faced by common dolphins in the Gulf
of Corinth, we recommend that: (a) immediate action is taken to mitigate
anthropogenic activities known or suspected to have a negative impact on
cetaceans in the area (particularly commercial fishing); and (b) a marine
protected area is established in the Gulf of Corinth as a management tool
for enforcing conservation action and facilitating the recovery of common
dolphins.

Sincerely

Nina Santostasi, Silvia Bonizzoni, Olivier Gimenez, Lavinia Eddy, Giovanni
Bearzi


-- 
Nina L. Santostasi
Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, CNRS, Montpellier, France
Ph.D. candidate
"*Modelling population dynamics in presence of hybridization*"
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[MARMAM] New article: Stable isotope analysis of fecal material provides insight into the diet of fin whales.

[marina arregui]

Dear MARMAMers,

We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in Marine 
Mammal Science:


Stable isotope analysis of fecal material provides insight into the diet of fin 
whales

Marina Arregui, Asunción Borrell, Gisli Víkingsson, Droplaug Ólafsdóttir and 
Alex Aguilar

Article DOI: 10./mms.12504


Abstract:

In cetaceans, stable isotope analysis of tissues overcomes some of the 
potential biases encountered in studies of diet based on stomach content or 
fecal analysis. However, stable isotope ratios of tissues are only indicative 
of long-term feeding and may be misleading when recent shifts in prey 
consumption have occurred. Stable isotope ratios of feces stand as a potential 
alternative source for resolving short-term diet, but may be biased by 
digestive enzymes and bacteria. We investigate whether fecal stable isotope 
ratios of freshly dead fin whales are consistent with those of the main food 
found in their stomachs (krill) and with those of other potential prey. Results 
show that stable isotope ratios of krill remain unaltered after their transit 
along the digestive tract and, therefore, values in feces are reliable 
indicators of this prey consumption. In addition, the low isotope ratios of 
feces that visually appeared to contain only fish remains revealed a 
substantial contribution of krill in the digested food. This demonstrates that 
macroscopic gross fecal analysis may be misleading because less digestible 
components, like fish bones, may be overrepresented. We conclude that stable 
isotope ratios of feces contribute significant information to other techniques 
for short-term diet reconstruction.


The paper is available online at 
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10./mms.12504 or you can contact me 
for a pdf version or for any questions at  marina.arre...@ulpgc.es

Best,

Marina Arregui


Enviado desde Outlook
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[MARMAM] New article of foreign body ingestion in stranded cetaceans, Canary Islands

[RAQUEL PUIG LOZANO]

Greetings MARMAM,



My colleagues and I are pleased to announce the publication of our newest
article on the ingestión of foreign bodies (marine debris) in stranded
cetaceans in the Canary Islands titled *“Retrospective study of foreign
body-associated pathology in stranded cetaceans, Canary Islands
(2000-2015)”* in *Environmental Pollution 243 (2018)
519-527https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2018.09.012
*



The article is open access and free to download below:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749118318785



R. Puig-Lozano, Y. Bernaldo de Quirós, J. Díaz-Delgado, N. García-Álvarez,
E. Sierra, J. De la Fuente, S. Sacchini, CM. Suárez-Santana, D. Zucca, N.
Câmara, P. Saavedra, J. Almunia,  M.A. Rivero, A. Fernández, M. Arbelo.



Abstract:

Marine pollution, overrepresented by plastic, is a growing concern
worldwide. However, there is little knowledge on occurrence and detrimental
impacts of marine debris in cetaceans. To partially fill in this gap of
knowledge, we aimed to investigate the occurrence and pathologies
associated with foreign bodies (FBs) in a large cohort of cetaceans (n=465)
stranded in the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands shelter the greatest
cetacean biodiversity in Europe, with up to 30 different species, of which
nine are regularly present year around. We found at least one ingested FB
in 36 out of 465 (7.74%) studied cetaceans, involving 15 different species,
including eight out of the nine (80%) cetacean species present

year-round in the Canary Islands. Risso's dolphin was the species most
affected, followed by sperm whale, beaked whale and mysticetes. Plastic FB
were the most common item found (80.56%). FB was directly associated with
death in 13/36 (36.11%) animals. Poor body condition and deep diving
behavior were found to be risk factors for FB ingestion, whereas the adult
age was a protective factor. To the authors knowledge this is the first
study that use statistical analysis to investigate risk and protective
factors for FB ingestion. This study also provides insights of the
potential impact caused by ingested FBs on the animal's health and
mortality. This knowledge is critical to better understand and assess the
impact of FB in cetaceans setting the scientific basis for prospective
impact monitoring and future conservation policies.



Kind regards,



Raquel Puig Lozano and Yara Bernaldo de Quirós.


*Raquel Puig Lozano*

*Centro Atlántico de Investigación de Cetáceos,*
*Instituto Universitario de Sanidad Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria,*
*Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.*

*Campus Universitario Cardones de Arucas,*
*35413 Arucas, Gran Canaria*
*España*
*Teléfono de contacto: 616150322.*
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[MARMAM] New article on responses of dolphins and manatees to small unmanned aerial systems

[Eric Ramos]

Greetings MARMAM,

My colleagues and I are pleased to announce the publication of our newest
article on the responses of dolphins and manatees to small drones out today
titled “Bottlenose Dolphins and Antillean Manatees Respond to Small
Multi-Rotor Unmanned Aerial Systems” in *Frontier's in Marine Science*: *Marine
Megafauna* as part of their research topic *Integrating Emerging
Technologies into Marine Megafauna Conservation Management*.


The article is open access and free to download below:

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2018.00316


Ramos, E.A., Maloney, B.M., Magnasco, M.O. and Reiss, D., 2018. Bottlenose
Dolphins and Antillean Manatees Respond to Small Multi-Rotor Unmanned
Aerial Systems. *Frontiers in Marine Science*, *5*, p.316.



Abstract

Unmanned aerial systems (UASs) are powerful tools for research and
monitoring of wildlife. However, the effects of these systems on most
marine mammals are largely unknown, preventing the establishment of
guidelines that will minimize animal disturbance. In this study, we
evaluated the behavioral responses of coastal bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops
truncatus) and Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) to small
multi-rotor UAS flight. From 2015 to 2017, we piloted 211 flights using DJI
quadcopters (Phantom II Vision +, 3 Professional and 4) to approach and
follow animals over shallow-water habitats in Belize. The quadcopters were
equipped with high-resolution cameras to observe dolphins during 138 of
these flights, and manatees during 73 flights. Aerial video observations of
animal behavior were coded and paired with flight data to determine whether
animal activity and/or the UAS's flight patterns caused behavioral changes
in exposed animals. Dolphins responded to UAS flight at altitudes of 11–30
m and responded primarily when they were alone or in small groups. Single
dolphins and one pair responded to the UAS by orienting upward and turning
toward the aircraft to observe it, before quickly returning to their
pre-response activity. A higher number of manatees responded to the UAS,
exhibiting strong disturbance in response to the aircraft from 6 to 104 m.
Manatees changed their behavior by fleeing the area and sometimes this
elicited the same response in nearby animals. If pursued post-response,
manatees repeatedly responded to overhead flight by evading the aircraft's
path. These findings suggest that the invasiveness of UAS varies across
individuals, species, and taxa. We conclude that careful exploratory
research is needed to determine the impact of multi-rotor UAS flight on
diverse species, and to develop best practices aimed at reducing the
disturbance to wildlife that may result from their use.



If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at:
eric.angel.ra...@gmail.com



Best,



Eric Angel Ramos

Ph.D. Candidate Animal Behavior & Comparative Psychology

The Graduate Center, City University of New York

eric.angel.ra...@gmail.com

347-336-5567
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[MARMAM] New article - Abundance and demographic parameters of bottlenose dolphins in a highly affected coastal ecosystem

[Bruno Diaz Lopez]

We are delighted to bring to your attention the publication of our last 
scientific article published in Marine and Freshwater Research. 

Methion, S. & Diaz Lopez, B. (2018) Abundance and demographic parameters of 
bottlenose dolphins in a highly affected coastal ecosystem. Marine and 
Freshwater Research. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/MF17346 

Abstract: This study presents the first robust estimates of abundance and 
demographic parameters of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in a 
highly affected coastal ecosystem along the north-eastern Atlantic. Seasonal 
abundance, apparent survival and temporary emigration rates were estimated 
using Pollock’s robust design models. Photographic identification data were 
collected from 2014 to 2016 along the north-western Iberian coast (Spain). 
Bottlenose dolphins were present year-round and with a high degree of 
occurrence in the study area, which is highly affected by human activity but is 
also a highly productive coastal ecosystem. Local abundance of bottlenose 
dolphins ranged from 56 in autumn 2014 to 144 in winter 2015. Apparent survival 
rate was high and constant, indicating no mortality and no permanent 
emigration. Temporal emigration rates varied seasonally and were lower from 
autumn to winter, suggesting that dolphins had a high probability of returning 
during the winter period. The observed changes inabundance and emigration rates 
most likely reflect seasonal fluctuations in abundance of prey species in this 
area. These results provide important baseline information in an area subject 
to significant anthropogenic pressures and for future comparisons with other 
populations of similar characteristics under the pressure of human activities, 
such as fisheries and aquaculture. 

If you cannot download the publication, you can request a pdf by emailing to: 
br...@thebdri.com or sever...@thebdri.com 

Please feel free to contact us for any question regarding the study, 

Best regards,

 Bruno Diaz Lopez Ph.D
Chief biologist and Director

The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI
Avenida Beiramar 192, O Grove 36980, Pontevedra, Spain
www.thebdri.com
0034 684248552
This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be 
legally privileged or contain proprietary and private informations. It is 
intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not an 
intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this email. If 
received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your 
system immediately. Please note that neither the Bottlenose Dolphin Research 
Institute BDRI nor the sender accept any responsibility for any viruses and it 
is your responsibility to scan the email and the attachments (if any). Thank 
you for your cooperation.

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[MARMAM] New article on early basal fossil mysticete, Llanocetus

[Ewan Fordyce]

Dear Marmam readers


We report this article which describes and interprets the early basal mysticete 
Llanocetus from Eocene rocks of Antarctica.

?Fordyce RE, Marx FG 2018. Gigantism precedes filter feeding in baleen whale 
evolution. Current Biology DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2018.04.027.?
Article summary: Baleen whales (Mysticeti) are the largest animals on Earth, 
thanks to their ability to filter huge volumes of small prey from seawater. 
Mysticetes appeared during the Late Eocene, but evidence of their early 
evolution remains both sparse and controversial [1, 2 ], with several models 
competing to explain the origin of baleen-based bulk feeding [3-6 ]. Here, we 
describe a virtually complete skull of Llanocetus denticrenatus, the 
second-oldest (ca. 34 Ma) mysticete known. The new material represents the same 
individual as the type and only specimen, a fragmentary mandible. Phylogenetic 
analysis groups Llanocetus  with the oldest mysticete, Mystacodon selenensis [2 
], into the basal family Llanocetidae. Llanocetus is gigantic (body length ca. 
8 m) compared to other early mysticetes [7-9 ]. The broad rostrum has sharp, 
widely spaced teeth with marked dental abrasion and attrition, suggesting 
biting and occlusal shearing. As in extant mysticetes, the palate bears many 
sulci, commonly interpreted as osteological correlates of baleen [3 ]. 
Unexpectedly, these sulci converge on the upper alveoli, suggesting a 
peridental blood supply to well-developed gums, rather than to inter-alveolar 
racks of baleen. We interpret Llanocetus as a raptorial or suction feeder, 
revealing that whales evolved gigantism well before the emergence of filter 
feeding. Rather than driving the origin of mysticetes, baleen and filtering 
most likely only arose after an initial phase of suction-assisted raptorial 
feeding [2, 4, 5 ]. This scenario differs strikingly from that proposed for 
odontocetes, whose defining adaptation-echolocation-was present even in their 
earliest representatives [10 ]. ?
Download here:
http://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(18)30455-X

Regards, felixgm...@gmail.com and 
ewan.ford...@otago.ac.nz

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[MARMAM] New article

[Phillip Clapham - NOAA Federal]

The following was just published:

Clapham, P.J. & Ivashchenko, Y.V.  2018.  Whaling catch data are not
reliable for analyzing body size shifts.  Nature Ecology and Evolution doi
10.1038/s41559-018-0534-2.

This is a short rebuttal to a paper published by Clements *et al.* in
2017.  There is no abstract, but the entire text is pasted in below.  A pdf
is available fo anyone unable to access the *Nature* site.

--
Phillip J. Clapham, Ph.D.
Leader, Cetacean Assessment and Ecology Program
Marine Mammal Laboratory
Alaska Fisheries Science Center
7600 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98115, USA

tel 206 526 4037
email phillip.clap...@noaa.gov


*Whaling catch data are not reliable for analyzing body size shifts*

Clements *et al. *(1) use length data from the International Whaling
Commission’s (IWC) catch database to support their contention that a
negative shift in body size reflects an “early warning signal” prior to the
collapse of stocks of blue, fin, sei and sperm whales.
   There are several problems with this analysis.  First, length data for
sperm whales were extensively falsified by both Japan and the USSR.  The
USSR conducted extensive illegal whaling beginning in 1948 (2), and
submitted falsified data on both the length and sex of sperm whales to
cover up extensive catches of animals below the minimum legal length
(11.6m) (3).  Clements *et al. *mention the absence of length data for
Soviet Southern Hemisphere catches, but not for the North Pacific.  This
presumably means that they used the falsified North Pacific data, which
were only recently replaced (without lengths) in the IWC database (4).
Similarly, it is now known that, for the same reason, Japan routinely
falsified data on the lengths and sexes of sperm whales in shore-based
whaling operations in the North Pacific (5), and on lengths for pelagic
factory fleets there and throughout the Southern Hemisphere (6,7).
   Consequently, any analysis of sperm whales will be fatally flawed: using
changes in the 95% mean size does not help when the data concerned are
largely fabricated.  The Clements *et al. *analysis also failed to account
for the age- and sex-segregated nature of sperm whale distribution, in
which catches in high latitudes were primarily of large males while those
elsewhere were biased towards the much smaller females and juveniles.
Consequently, the shift over time in Southern Hemisphere whaling effort
from the ice edge northwards would have resulted in increasing proportions
of smaller animals in the catch (even if length and sex were accurately
reported).
   Another problem relates to Southern Hemisphere blue whales.  In the
early 1960's, catches shifted from “true” blue whales in high latitudes to
the significantly smaller pygmy subspecies (*B. musculus brevicauda*) (8,
9), yet the authors did not account for this in their analysis.
Furthermore, the reported shift in length for Antarctic blue whales
occurred after populations had collapsed to 1% of their former abundance in
1960 (8); thus, a decline in length should have been apparent well before
this point.
   Any as-yet unknown falsifications for other species will further
complicate such analyses.  A recent study suggested that, with some
exceptions, length data reported by Japanese whalers for catches of
Southern Hemisphere fin whales are probably largely reliable (10).  To
date, no one has conducted such an assessment for sei whales; however, the
USSR actually over-reported catch numbers for both fin and sei whales to
camouflage takes of other species (2), which means that some of the North
Pacific length data would have been from non-existent animals.
   It is indeed likely that over-exploitation of whale stocks resulted in a
decline in average lengths over time, and length data might be able to
identify signals of diminishing abundance.  However, this is valid only if
the length data are both reliable and correctly interpreted, and that is
not the case for at least two of the species here.

The authors thank Trevor Branch for his thoughtful review of this note.

Phillip J. Clapham* and Yulia V. Ivashchenko

Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, 7600 Sand Point
Way NE, Seattle WA 98115, USA
*Corresponding author.  Email: phillip.clap...@noaa.gov


References

1. Clements, C.F. et al.  Nature Ecol. Evol. 1, 1-12 (2017).
2. Ivashchenko, Y.V. & Clapham, P.J.  Mar. Fish. Rev. 76, 1-21 (2014).
3. Ivashchenko, Y.V., Brownell, R.L. Jr. & Clapham, P.J.  End. Species
Res. 25, 249-263 (2014).
4. Ivashchenko, Y.V., Brownell, R.L. Jr. & Clapham, P.J.  J. Cetacean
Res. Manage. 13, 59-71 (2013).
5. Kasuya, T.  J. Cetacean Res. Manage. 1, 109-22 (1999).
6. Ivashchenko, Y.V. & Clapham, P.J.  Royal Soc. Open Sci. 2, 150177.
DOI: 10.1098/rsos.150177 (2015).
7. Clapham, P.J. & Ivashchenko, Y.V.  Royal Soc. Open Sci. 3, 160506
DOI: 10.1098/rsos.160506 (2016).
8. Branch, T.A., Matsuoka, K. & Miyashita, T.  Mar. Mammal Sci. 20,
726-754 (2004).

[MARMAM] New article on the drivers of social structure in coastal bottlenose dolphins

[Marie Louis]

Dear all,

We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article:

Louis M., Simon-Bouhet B., Viricel A., Lucas T., Gally F., Cherel Y., Guinet C. 
2018. Evaluating the influence of ecology, sex and kinship on the social 
structure of resident coastal bottlenose dolphins. Marine Biology 165: 80. 
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-018-3341-z


Abstract

Animal social structures are shaped by external environmental factors and 
individual intrinsic behavioral traits. They represent a balance between the 
costs and benefits of group-living to maximize individual fitness. Bottlenose 
dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, societies are fission–fusion with high variations 
in association strength, grouping patterns and influence of kinship on social 
bonds throughout the wide range of habitats where they occur. Here, the drivers 
of social structure in resident coastal bottlenose dolphins of the 
Normano-Breton Gulf (English Channel) were studied using a multidisciplinary 
approach combining individual monitoring (photo-identification) information, 
genetic and ecological data. First, the ecological segregation of the social 
clusters was tested. Then, the influence of kinship, sex and ecological 
specializations on association patterns was evaluated. Stable isotopes revealed 
that the social clusters had relatively distinct ecological niches. Resource 
partitioning among social clusters may reduce competition and may allow the 
area to sustain a larger resident bottlenose dolphin population. Individuals 
did not preferentially associate with related individuals or individuals of the 
same sex. However, sample size was relatively low for females and, therefore, a 
role of kinship in shaping association patterns could not be totally ruled out 
for those individuals. Instead, dolphins preferentially associated with 
individuals of similar ecology. The study also emphasizes that stable isotope 
analysis is a promising tool to investigate the link between social structure 
and ecological specializations, particularly in taxa that are difficult to 
observe in the wild.

The article is available at: 
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00227-018-3341-z or you can email me 
for a copy.

Best wishes,

Marie
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[MARMAM] New article on lobomycosis-like disease in bottlenose dolphins in Belize and Mexico

[Eric Ramos]

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the recent publication of our
article:
Ramos EA, Castelblanco-Martínez DN, Garcia J, Rojas Arias J and others (2018)
Lobomycosis-like disease in common bottlenose dolphinsTursiops truncatus from
Belize and Mexico: bridging the gap between the Americas. Diseases of Aquatic
Organisms 128:1-12.https://doi.org/10.3354/dao03206
AbstractLobomycosis and lobomycosis-like diseases (LLD) (also:
paracoccidioidomycosis) are chronic cutaneous infections that affect Delphinidae
in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.In the Americas, these diseases
have been relatively well-described, but gaps still exist in our understanding
of their distribution across the continent. Here we report on LLD affecting
inshore bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus  from the Caribbean waters of
Belize and from the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean off the southwestern coast of
Mexico. Photo-identification and catalog data gathered between 1992 and 2017 for
371 and 41 individuals, respectively from Belize and Mexico, were examined for
the presence of LLD. In Belize, 5 free-ranging and 1 stranded dolphin were found
positive in at least 3 communities with the highest prevalence in the south. In
Guerrero, Mexico, 4 inshore bottlenose dolphins sighted in 2014−2017 were
affected by LLD. These data highlight the need for histological and molecular
studies to confirm the etiological agent. Additionally, we document a single
case of LLD in an adult Atlantic spotted dolphin Stenella frontalis in southern
Belize, the first report in this species. The role of environmental and
anthropogenic factors in the occurrence, severity, and epidemiology of LLD in
South and Central America requires further investigation.
Please email me (eric.angel.ra...@gmail.com) for a pdf version of the article or
access it here with subscriber login here:
http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/dao/v128/n1/p1-12/

Best,

Eric Angel Ramos, PhD StudentAnimal Behavior & Comparative PsychologyThe
Graduate Center, City University of New YorkMember of IUCN SSC Sirenia
Specialist Group for mesoamericaeric.angel.ra...@gmail.com
era...@gradcenter.cuny.edutwitter: @EricAngelRamoscell (US): 1(347) 336-5567cell
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[MARMAM] New article: The evolution of genital shape variation in female cetaceans

[Dara Orbach]

Dear colleagues,

We are pleased to announce our new publication in the journal Evolution:

Orbach, D.N., Hedrick, B., Würsig, B., Mesnick, S.L., Brennan, P.L.R. 2017. The
evolution of genital shape variation in female cetaceans. *Evolution *d
oi:10./evo13995

Abstract:
Male genital diversification is likely the result of sexual selection.
Female genital diversification may also result from sexual selection,
although it is less well studied and understood. Female genitalia are
complex among whales, dolphins, and porpoises, especially compared to other
vertebrates. The evolutionary factors affecting the diversity of vaginal
complexity could include ontogeny, allometry, phylogeny, sexual selection,
and natural selection. We quantified shape variation in female genitalia
using 2D geometric morphometric analysis, and validated the application of
this method to study soft tissues. We explored patterns of variation in the
shape of the cervix and vagina of 24 cetacean species (n = 61 specimens),
and found that genital shape varies primarily in the relative vaginal
length and overall aspect ratio of the reproductive tract. Extensive
genital shape variation was partly explained by ontogenetic changes and
evolutionary allometry among sexually mature cetaceans, whereas
phylogenetic signal, relative testis size, and neonate size were not
significantly associated with genital shape. Female genital shape is
diverse and evolves rapidly even among closely related species, consistent
with predictions of sexual selection models and with findings in invertebrate
and vertebrate taxa. Future research exploring genital shape variation in
3D will offer new insights into evolutionary mechanisms because internal
vaginal structures are variable and can form complex spirals.

Our article is published online for early view at
*http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10./evo.13395/abstract
*

or you can email me directly for a reprint at dnorb...@gmail.com

Cheers,

Dara Orbach, PhD

Izaak Walton Killam Postdoctoral Fellow
Whitehead Lab
Department of Biology
Dalhousie University

Research Associate
Brennan Lab
Department of Biological Sciences
Mount Holyoke College

dnorb...@gmail.com
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[MARMAM] New article on fine scale estimation of fur seal diet using combination of multiples techniques in MEPS

[Tiphaine Jeanniard du Dot]

Dear colleagues,

My co-authors and I are pleased to share this new article entitled 'Combining
hard-part and DNA analyses of scats with biologging and stable isotopes can
reveal different diet compositions and feeding strategies within a fur seal
population ' published
in Marine Ecology Progress Series as a Feature Article. As such it is
freely available as Open Source.
You can also see the facebook post and tweet from MEPS on this paper:
www.facebook.com/MarEcolProgSer
https://twitter.com/MEPS_IR/status/938776151585148928

Jeanniard-du-Dot T, Thomas AC, Cherel Y, Trites AW, Guinet C (2017)
Combining hard-part and DNA analyses of scats with biologging and stable
isotopes can reveal different diet compositions and feeding strategies
within a fur seal population. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 584:1-16.
https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12381

ABSTRACT: Accurately estimating predators’ diets at relevant spatial and
temporal scales is key to understanding animals’ energetics and fitness,
particularly in populations whose decline might be related to their diet
such as northern fur seals *Callorhinus ursinus*. Our goals were to improve
the accuracy of diet estimates and extend understanding of feeding ecology
by combining 2 scat-based methods of diet determination (hard-part
identification and DNA-metabarcoding) with stable isotope measurements and
individual behavioural data. We collected 98 scats on a northern fur seal
breeding colony. We also tracked 20 females with biologgers, and took blood
samples to determine δ13C and δ15N values as proxies for seal foraging
habitat and diet. Results show that diet composition from hard-parts
analysis corresponded well with DNA results, with DNA yielding a greater
diversity of prey species at a finer taxonomic level. Overall, scat-based
methods showed that seals mostly fed on neritic shelf-associated prey.
Cluster analyses of combined hard-parts and DNA results however identified
2 diet groups, one mostly neritic and the other mostly pelagic. Stable
isotopes and behavioural data revealed that 40% of seals fed in oceanic
waters on pelagic prey. This is more than indicated by scat-based analyses,
which are likely biased towards animals foraging closest to the colony and
underestimate some dietary specializations within the population.
Consequently, the combination of multiple methods for diet identification
with at-sea tracking of individuals can help identify and quantify
specialist groups within a population and provide a wider spatial and
temporal ecological context for dietary analysis.

Best regards,
-- 

Tiphaine Jeanniard-du-Dot, PhD
Fisheries and Oceans Canada/Marine mammal biology and conservation
Institut Maurice-Lamontagne
850 Route de la Mer, P.O. Box 1000
Mont-Joli, QC, G5H 3Z4, CANADA
Cell:+1-604-724-4230 / Fax: +1-418-775-0740
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[MARMAM] New article on foraging behaviour of sperm whales in a submarine canyon

[Marta Guerra]

Dear all

We are happy to announce our recent publication:


Diverse foraging strategies by a marine top predator: sperm whales exploit 
pelagic and demersal habitats in the Kaikoura submarine canyon. Marta Guerra, 
Leigh Hickmott, Julie van der Hoop, Will Rayment, Eva Leunissen, Elizabeth 
Slooten, Michael Moore. (2017). Deep-Sea Research Part I, 128: 98-108.


Abstract:

The submarine canyon off Kaikoura (New Zealand) is an extremely productive 
deep-sea habitat, and an important foraging ground for male sperm whales 
(Physeter macrocephalus). We used high-resolution archival tags to study the 
diving behaviour of sperm whales, and used the echoes from their echolocation 
sounds to estimate their distance from the seafloor. Diving depths and distance 
above the seafloor were obtained for 28 dives from six individuals. Whales 
foraged at depths between 284 and 1433 m, targeting mesopelagic and demersal 
prey layers. The majority of foraging buzzes occurred within one of three 
vertical strata: within 50 m of the seafloor, mid-water at depths of 700-900 m, 
and mid-water at depths of 400-600 m. Sperm whales sampled during this study 
performed more demersal foraging than that reported in any previous studies - 
including at Kaikoura in further inshore waters. This suggests that the extreme 
benthic productivity of the Kaikoura Canyon is reflected in the trophic 
preferences of these massive top predators. We found some evidence for 
circadian patterns in the foraging behaviour of sperm whales, which might be 
related to vertical movements of their prey following the deep scattering 
layer. We explored the ecological implications of the whales' foraging 
preferences on their habitat use, highlighting the need for further research on 
how submarine canyons facilitate top predator hotspots.


A pdf can be obtained through this link: 
https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1Vomf3RueHM4lY?

Or email marta.gue...@otago.ac.nz for a paper request.


Best wishes,

Marta

?

Marta Guerra
PhD candidate
Department of Marine Science
University of Otago, Dunedin
Aotearoa - New Zealand
ph: +64 226784245
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[MARMAM] New article: Isotopic homogeneity throughout the skin in small cetaceans

[ARREGUI GIL]

Dear MARMAMers,


We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in Rapid 
Communications in Mass Spectrometry:


Isotopic homogeneity throughout the skin in small cetaceans

  1.  Marina Arregui,
  2.  Marta Josa,
  3.  Alex Aguilar and
  4.  Asunción Borrell

DOI: 10.1002/rcm.7936


ABSTRACT

Isotope ratios from skin samples have been widely used to study cetacean 
trophic ecology. Usually, isotopic skin uniformity has been assumed, despite 
the heterogeneity of this tissue. This study aims to investigate (1) regional 
isotopic variation within the skin in cetaceans, and (2) isotopic variation 
among internal tissues. Stable carbon (δ13C values) and nitrogen (δ15N values) 
isotope ratios were measured in 11 skin positions in 10 common dolphins 
(Delphinus delphis) and 9 striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba). In 
addition, the isotope ratios in the muscle, liver and kidney of both species 
were determined and compared with those from the skin and from all tissues 
combined. The signatures were determined by means of elemental analyser/isotope 
ratio mass spectrometry (EA/IRMS). In both species, no differences between 
isotope ratios of the skin positions were found. Moreover, the isotope ratios 
of skin were similar to those of muscle. In contrast, liver and kidney showed 
higher isotope ratios than muscle and skin. Isotopic homogeneity within the 
skin suggests that the isotope ratios of a sample from a specific skin position 
can be considered representative of the ratios from the entire skin tissue in 
dolphins. This conclusion validates the results of previous stable isotope 
analyses in dolphins that used skin samples as representative of the whole skin 
tissue. Isotopic similarities or dissimilarities among tissues should be 
considered when analysing different tissues and comparing results from the same 
or different species.

The paper is available online at 
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/rcm.7936/full
or you can contact me for a pdf version or any questions at  
marina.arre...@ulpgc.es

Best wishes,

Marina Arregui Gil
PhD Student




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[MARMAM] New article: Juvenile southern elephant seals from Marion Island consume krill: a stable isotope investigation using whisker regrowths

[Nico Lubcker]

Dear colleagues,

My co-authors and I would like to share with you our work recently
published in Marine Ecology Progress Series:

Lübcker N, Reisinger RR, Oosthuizen WC, de Bruyn PJN, van Tonder A,
Pistorius PA, Bester MN. 2017. Low trophic level diet of juvenile southern
elephant seals Mirounga leonina from Marion Island: a stable isotope
investigation using vibrissal regrowths. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 577: 237–250.

Article available at https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12240.

ABSTRACT:
Insight into the trophic ecology of marine predators is vital for
understanding their ecosystem role and predicting their responses to
environmental change. Juvenile southern elephant seals (SES) Mirounga
leonina are considered generalist predators within the Southern Ocean.
Although mesopelagic fish and squid dominate their stomach lavage samples,
the stable isotope profile captured along the length of sampled vibrissae
of young SES at Macquarie Island, southwest Pacific Ocean (54.5° S, 158.9°
E) recently emphasized the contribution of crustaceans to their diet
(likely Euphausia superba). Herein, we used the stable isotope values of
sampled vibrissal regrowths with known growth histories to assess the diet
of juvenile SES at Marion Island, southern Indian Ocean (46.8° S, 37.8° E)
on a temporally integrated basis. We specifically aimed to
quantify the possible contribution of crustaceans to the diet of juvenile
SES. Sequentially (chronologically) sampled vibrissal regrowths of 14
juvenile SES produced fine-scale dietary information spanning up to 9 mo.
The depleted stable isotope signatures of nitrogen (d15N) (8.5 ±
0.6‰) and carbon (d13C) (-20.3 ± 0.1‰) measured during the
period of independent foraging suggested the use of a lower trophic level
diet within the Polar Frontal Zone. A mixing model predicted that up to
76% of juvenile SES diet comprised crustaceans, consisting of 2 crustacean
groups, each contributing 26% (credible interval, CI: 13 - 39%) and 50%
(CI: 35 - 64%) to their diets, presumably representing subantarctic krill
species. This first utilisation of the isotopic signature captured along
the length of vibrissal regrowths confirms the inclusion and importance of
crustaceans in the diet of juvenile SES.

See
(https://www.researchgate.net/project/Low-trophic-level-diet-of-juvenile-southern-elephant-seals-Mirounga-leonina-from-Marion-Island-a-stable-isotope-investigation-using-vibrissal-regrowths/)
for more information regarding this project, or
(http://www.marionseals.com/) for more information regarding our research
group.

Sincerely,
Nico Lubcker
PhD. Zoology Candidate
Mammal Research Institute
Old Botany Building Room 1.16.5
Department of Zoology and Entomology
University of Pretoria
Hatfield
South Africa
0028
Cell: + 27 72 0370130







 Original Message 
Subject: New article: Vibrissal growth parameters of southern elephant
seals Mirounga leonina
From:"Nico Lubcker" 
Date:Thu, January 5, 2017 09:35
To:  "marmam@lists.uvic.ca" 
--

Dear colleagues,

My co-authors and I would like to share with you our work recently
published in Marine Ecology Progress Series:

Lübcker N, Condit R, Beltran RS, de Bruyn PJN, Bester MN. 2016. Vibrissal
growth parameters of southern elephant seals Mirounga leonina: obtaining
fine-scale, time-based stable isotope data. Marine Ecology Progress Series
559: 243-255. doi: 10.3354/meps11899.

Article available at http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v559/p243-255/


ABSTRACT: Stable isotopes provide a powerful, indirect approach to assess
the trophic ecology of individuals on a spatial and temporally integrated
basis (especially when combined with telemetry). However, using stable
isotopes requires accurate, species-specific quantification of the period
of biomolecule deposition in the sampled tissue. Sequentially sampled
vibrissae (whiskers) provide a chronology of biogeochemical data, although
knowledge of vibrissal growth is required for temporal interpretations. We
sampled vibrissae from southern elephant seals Mirounga leonina (hereafter
SES) at Marion Island, southern Indian Ocean, to address the following
aims: (1) define the prevalence and timing of their vibrissal replacement,
(2) determine the vibrissal regrowth rate and temporal resolution of
isotopic data captured along the length of sequentially sampled vibrissae,
and (3) explore assumptions regarding their vibrissal growth. Contrary to
the previously described asynchronous vibrissal shedding pattern of SES,
71.1% of individuals displayed vibrissal shedding during the annual pelage
moult. Furthermore, vibrissal growth ceased once the asymptotic length was
reached, and the vibrissae were retained before being replaced. Vibrissae
with known growth histories were resampled at multiple known intervals to
control for unknown growth starting 

[MARMAM] New article on the demographic consequences of fisheries interaction on killer whales

[Paul Tixier]

Dear colleagues,

we are happy to announce the publication of the following article in Marine
Biology:

"Demographic consequences of fisheries interaction within a killer
whale (*Orcinus
orca*) population"

Tixier, P., Barbraud, C., Pardo, D., Gasco, N., Duhamel, G., and Guinet, C.

You can access the paper online at
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00227-017-3195-9. You can also
email me at paul.tix...@gmail.com to request a copy or if you have
questions about the study.

This work was conducted at the Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chize (CEBC -
CNRS) - Marine Predators unit, as part of Dr Christophe Guinet's research
team on marine mammals interactions with demersal longline fisheries in the
Southern Ocean. http://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/GB_index.htm


Abstract

Individual heterogeneity in foraging behavior has been widely documented
within predator populations. In highly social apex predators such as killer
whales (*Orcinus orca*), specialization may occur at the matriline level. A
small population of killer whales has been documented to occur around the
Crozet Islands. These whales feed on a wide range of prey items including
seals, penguins and large whales, as well as depredate the local Patagonian
toothfish (*Dissostichus eleginoides*) longline fishery. The level of
interactions with fisheries varies greatly between matrilines. Here, we
present the results on the effects of such behavioral heterogeneity on the
demographic trends of this killer whale population. We used
photo-identification data from 1977 to 2011 in a mark–recapture framework
to test the effect of varying levels of fisheries interactions on adult
survival. We documented significant differences in survival between
depredating and non-depredating whales, resulting in divergent
intra-population demographic trends. These differences showed low survival,
and thus a negative effect, for depredating whales when illegal fishing
occurred (poachers used lethal methods to deter killer whales from
depredating longlines). After illegal fishing stopped (2003–2011), the
survival rates of depredating individuals exceeded the survival rates of
non-depredating individuals, suggesting a positive influence of “artificial
food provisioning”. This effect was further supported by a higher
population growth rate for depredating whales. This study highlights the
potential demographic costs and benefits that cetaceans face from
depredating fisheries and addresses the demographic consequences of both
intra-population feeding specialization and the influence of anthropogenic
changes in resource availability.


Kind regards


Paul

*Paul Tixier, PhD *



Postdoctoral fellow

ARC Linkage Project 2016 – 2020 “Developing global solutions to marine
mammals – fisheries interactions”



School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science Engineering &
Built Environment

*Deakin University*

Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125

Tel: +61 (0)4 84 122 796

Email: p.tix...@deakin.edu.au




Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Paul_Tixier
Google Scholar Citations:
https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=mwCnhR8J=en
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[MARMAM] New article about infanticide attacks and associated epimeletic behaviour in bottlenose dolphins

[Bruno Diaz Lopez]

Dear colleagues,

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce that our latest article about 
infanticide attacks and associated epimeletic behaviour in free-ranging common 
bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) has been published.

Díaz López, B., López, A., Methion, S., & Covelo, P. (2017). Infanticide 
attacks and associated epimeletic behaviour in free-ranging common bottlenose 
dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of the Marine Biological Association of 
the United Kingdom, 1-9. doi:10.1017/S0025315417001266

Infanticide is considered a conspicuous expression of sexual conflict amongst 
mammals, including bottlenose dolphins. Although reported previously in this 
species, confirmed cases of infanticide and associated epimeletic behaviour are 
very rare and their socio-behavioural context remains poorly understood. Here, 
we provide evidence of epimeletic and infanticide behaviours in free-ranging 
bottlenose dolphins in Galicia, NW Spain. After describing the observed events, 
we include a complete description of the post-mortem examinations (where the 
carcasses were recovered) in order to confirm the cause of death. With 
evidences of blunt trauma in two of the presented cases, we confirm that the 
calves were intentionally killed by adult individuals. The aggressive 
interaction between adult individuals and the neonates together with the 
observed ante-mortem injuries bore a strong resemblance to the behaviours and 
traumatic injuries described in other cases of violent dolphin interactions in 
other parts of the world. The circumstances under which these infanticides 
occurred at our site fit the conditions proposed under the sexual selection 
hypothesis. The difficulties for researchers to observe this type of behaviour 
in the field and to find carcasses in good enough condition to determine the 
cause of death, emphasizes the importance of this type of study.

You can access the article at: DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0025315417001266

If you cannot download the publication, you can request a pdf by emailing to: 
br...@thebdri.com

Best wishes,

Bruno Díaz López
Chief biologist and Director
The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI
Avenida Beiramar 192, O Grove 36980, Pontevedra, Spain
www.thebdri.com
0034 684248552

This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be 
legally privileged or contain proprietary and private informations. It is 
intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not an 
intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this email. If 
received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your 
system immediately. Please note that neither the Bottlenose Dolphin Research 
Institute BDRI nor the sender accept any responsibility for any viruses and it 
is your responsibility to scan the email and the attachments (if any). Thank 
you for your cooperation.

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[MARMAM] New Article: Assessing progression of cardiomyopathy in pygmy sperm whales with selenium protein profiling

[Colleen Bryan - NOAA Affiliate]

We are pleased to announce the new publication:

Bryan C.E., Davis W.C., Ballihaut G., Kilpatrick L.E., McFee W.E., Long
S.E., Bossart G.D., Christopher S.J. 2017.  Selenium protein identification
and profiling by mass spectrometry: A tool to assess progression of
cardiomyopathy in a whale model.  Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and
Biology.  44:  40-49.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemb.2017.05.005

Abstract:
Non-ischemic cardiomyopathy is a leading cause of congestive heart failure
and sudden cardiac death in humans and in some cases the etiology of
cardiomyopathy can include the downstream effects of an essential element
deficiency.  Of all mammal species, pygmy sperm whales (*Kogia breviceps*)
present the greatest known prevalence of cardiomyopathy with more than half
of examined individuals indicating the presence of cardiomyopathy from
gross and histo-pathology.  Several factors such as genetics, infectious
agents, contaminants, biotoxins, and inappropriate dietary intake
(vitamins, selenium, mercury, and pro-oxidants), may contribute to the
development of idiopathic cardiomyopathy in K. breviceps.  Due to the
important role Se can play in antioxidant biochemistry and protein
formation, Se protein presence and relative abundance were explored in
cardiomyopathy related cases.  Selenium proteins were separated and
detected by multi-dimension liquid chromatography inductively coupled
plasma mass spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS), Se protein identification was
performed by liquid chromatography electrospray tandem mass spectrometry
(LC-ESI-MS/MS), and Se protein profiles were examined in liver (*n* = 30)
and heart tissue (*n* = 5) by SEC/UV/ICP-MS detection.  Data collected on
selenium proteins was evaluated in the context of individual animal trace
element concentration, life history, and histological information. Selenium
containing protein peak profiles varied in presence and intensity between
animals with no pathological findings of cardiomyopathy and animals
exhibiting evidence of cardiomyopathy.  In particular, one class of
proteins, metallothioneins, was found to be associated with Se and was in
greater abundance in animals with cardiomyopathy than those with no
pathological findings.  Profiling Se species with SEC/ICP-MS proved to be a
useful tool to identify Se protein pattern differences between heart
disease stages in *K. breviceps* and an approach similar to this may be
applied to other species to study Se protein associations with
cardiomyopathy.

The article can be downloaded from:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0946672X16302577
or you can email me for a copy.

Cheers,
Colleen Bryan
-- 

~~

Colleen E. Bryan, Ph.D.

National Institute of Standards and Technology

Hollings Marine Laboratory

331 Fort Johnson Road

Charleston, SC 29412

e-mail:  colleen.br...@nist.gov

phone:  843-762-8832 <(843)%20762-8832>

fax:  843-762-8742 <(843)%20762-8742>
><>><>><>><>><>><>><>><>><>><>><>><>
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[MARMAM] New article: Vibrissal growth parameters of southern elephant seals Mirounga leonina

[Nico Lubcker]

Dear colleagues,

My co-authors and I would like to share with you our work recently
published in Marine Ecology Progress Series:

Lübcker N, Condit R, Beltran RS, de Bruyn PJN, Bester MN. 2016. Vibrissal
growth parameters of southern elephant seals Mirounga leonina: obtaining
fine-scale, time-based stable isotope data. Marine Ecology Progress Series
559: 243-255. doi: 10.3354/meps11899.

Article available at http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v559/p243-255/


ABSTRACT: Stable isotopes provide a powerful, indirect approach to assess
the trophic ecology of individuals on a spatial and temporally integrated
basis (especially when combined with telemetry). However, using stable
isotopes requires accurate, species-specific quantification of the period
of biomolecule deposition in the sampled tissue. Sequentially sampled
vibrissae (whiskers) provide a chronology of biogeochemical data, although
knowledge of vibrissal growth is required for temporal interpretations. We
sampled vibrissae from southern elephant seals Mirounga leonina (hereafter
SES) at Marion Island, southern Indian Ocean, to address the following
aims: (1) define the prevalence and timing of their vibrissal replacement,
(2) determine the vibrissal regrowth rate and temporal resolution of
isotopic data captured along the length of sequentially sampled vibrissae,
and (3) explore assumptions regarding their vibrissal growth. Contrary to
the previously described asynchronous vibrissal shedding pattern of SES,
71.1% of individuals displayed vibrissal shedding during the annual pelage
moult. Furthermore, vibrissal growth ceased once the asymptotic length was
reached, and the vibrissae were retained before being replaced. Vibrissae
with known growth histories were resampled at multiple known intervals to
control for unknown growth starting dates. Vibrissae followed a von
Bertalanffy growth function as the growth rate decreased near the
asymptotic length. The resolution of the isotopic data obtainable per 2 mm
section ranged from 3.5 d at the vibrissal tip to >40 d at the base. Using
these defined growth rates and shedding patterns, researchers can
prudently apply timestamps to stable isotope values along vibrissae.


https://www.researchgate.net/publication/310330776_Vibrissal_growth_parameters_of_southern_elephant_seals_Mirounga_leonina_Obtaining_fine-scale_time-based_stable_isotope_data

Sincerely,
Nico Lubcker
nlubc...@zoology.up.ac.za
PhD Zoology Candidate
Mammal Research Institute
Department of Zoology and Entomology
University of Pretoria
South Africa





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[MARMAM] New Article: Patterns of population structure at microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA markers in the franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei)

[Lic. Maria Constanza Gariboldi]

Dear colleagues,

We are pleased to announce the publication of our new paper:

Gariboldi, M. C., Túnez, J. I., Failla, M., Hevia, M., Panebianco, M. V., Paso
Viola, M. N., Vitullo, A. D. and Cappozzo, H. L. (2016), Patterns of
population structure at microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA markers in the
franciscana dolphin (*Pontoporia blainvillei*). Ecology and Evolution, 00: 1
–13. doi: 10.1002/ece3.2596 

ABSTRACT: The franciscana dolphin, *Pontorporia blainvillei*, is an endemic
cetacean of the Atlantic coast of South America. Its coastal distribution
and restricted movement patterns make this species vulnerable to
anthropogenic factors, particularly to incidental bycatch. We used
mitochondrial DNA control region sequences, 10 microsatellites, and sex
data to investigate the population structure of the franciscana dolphin
from a previously established management area, which includes the southern
edge of its geographic range. *F*-statistics and Bayesian cluster analyses
revealed the existence of three genetically distinct populations. Based on
the microsatellite loci, similar levels of genetic variability were found
in the area; 13 private alleles were found in Monte Hermoso, but none in
Claromecó. When considering the mitochondrial DNA control region sequences,
lower levels of genetic diversity were found in Monte Hermoso, when
compared to the other localities. Low levels of gene flow were found
between most localities. Additionally, no evidence of isolation by distance
nor sex-biased dispersal was detected in the study area. In view of these
results showing that populations from Necochea/Claromecó, Monte Hermoso,
and Río Negro were found to be genetically distinct and the available
genetic information for the species previously published, Argentina would
comprise five distinct populations: Samborombón West/Samborombón South,
Cabo San Antonio/Buenos Aires East, Necochea/Claromecó/Buenos Aires
Southwest, Monte Hermoso, and Río Negro. In order to ensure the long-term
survival of the franciscana dolphin, management and conservation strategies
should be developed considering each of these populations as different
management units.

This paper is an Open Access publication and is freely available for view
and download at the following link:

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.2596/full


Kind regards,
Constanza

-- 
Lic. María Constanza Gariboldi
Centro de Estudios Biomédicos, Biotecnológicos, Ambientales y Diagnóstico -
CEBBAD
Universidad Maimónides
Hidalgo 775 6to piso (1405)
Tel: 4905 1192
Fax: 4905 1133
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[MARMAM] New article: Towards an EU Action Plan on Cetacean Bycatch

[Sarah Dolman]

Dear MARMAM

Myself and my co-authors wanted to bring this recently published paper to your 
attention.

S Dolman, S Baulch, P G.H. Evans, F Read, F Ritter. 2016. Towards an EU Action 
Plan on Cetacean Bycatch. Marine Policy, 72, 67-75.

Abstract
For decades, cetacean bycatch has been a major conservation and welfare concern 
in Europe, with high numbers of harbour porpoises, dolphins and whales 
continuing to die each year. Despite binding legal requirements to reduce 
bycatch, there has been limited effective monitoring or mitigation. Bycatch is 
also an important welfare issue. At this critical juncture, with discussion of 
incorporating monitoring and mitigation of bycatch of protected species in 
Europe into the Data Collection Framework and Technical Measures Framework 
taking place to help deliver the reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), a 
clear, effective strategy could identify the steps that are required by all EU 
Member States to reduce bycatch towards zero. Here, implementation of current 
monitoring and mitigation obligations are reviewed. Recommendations are made 
for the provision of clear EU guidance in order to improve and unify population 
surveillance and bycatch monitoring, with enhanced implementation and 
enforcement from Member States. A more regionalised evidence-based approach to 
monitoring and mitigation is in line with the move to more regionalised 
management under the CFP, with Member States robustly showing that bycatch 
levels are decreasing over a set period of time (e.g. 5years) by a specified 
amount. To this end, an EU Action Plan on Cetacean Bycatch, comparable to the 
existing 2012 Action Plan for reducing incidental catches of seabirds in 
fishing gear, might be beneficial and could ultimately form a model for an 
international Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) Cetacean Bycatch 
Reduction Action Plan.


This paper can be obtained free at the following link until August 20th: 
http://authors.elsevier.com/a/1TIqb,714MROuI

Alternatively you can get in touch with me directly at 
sarah.dol...@whales.org either to get hold of a 
PDF copy, or to offer any comments or insights.

Many thanks,
Sarah Dolman
Senior policy manager
Whale and Dolphin Conservation
sarah.dol...@whales.org


[WDC - Whale and Dolphin Conservation]

Sarah Dolman
Senior policy manager

Telephone: +44 (0)1316 617 722
Mobile: +44 (0)783 449 8275

WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation
Scottish Dolphin Centre
Spey Bay
Moray
IV32 7PJ
United Kingdom
whales.org


[WDC on Facebook] [WDC on Twitter] 
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  [WDC Blogs]   [WDC 
E-Newsletter] 


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Whale and Dolphin Conservation ("WDC") is a company registered in England and 
Wales (No. 02737421) and a registered charity (in England and Wales No. 
1014705, in Scotland No. SC040231)
WDC Shop is a trading name of WDC (Trading) Ltd, a company registered in 
England and Wales (No. 02593116)
Registered office : Brookfield House, 38 St. Paul Street, Chippenham, 
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[MARMAM] new article on common dolphin bycatch

[Helene Peltier]

 

Dear colleagues,
We are glad to inform you that following article
was recently accepted for publication:

Small cetacean bycatch as
estimated from stranding schemes: The common dolphin case in the
northeast Atlantic
Hélène Peltier , Matthieu Authier, Rob Deaville,
Willy Dabin, Paul D. Jepson, Olivier van Canneyt, Pierre Daniel, Vincent
Ridoux

The article can be download until early
July:

http://authors.elsevier.com/a/1T3zz5Ce0rOF3A
[1]

Highlights
*Strong interactions between common dolphins and
fisheries in southern Bay of Biscay.
*Levels of bycatch inferred from
strandings between 3650 and 4700 dolphins year-1.
*Levels of bycatch
inferred from observer programmes around 550 animals year-1.
*Diverging
estimates can set very different management
consequences.Highlights

Abstract
Death in
fishing gear of non-target
species (called 'bycatch') is a major concern for marine wildlife,
and
mostly worrying for long-lived species like cetaceans, considering
their demographic characteristics
(slow population growth rates and low
fecundity). In European waters, cetaceans are highly impacted by
this
phenomenon. Under the Common Fishery Policy, the EC 812/2004 regulation
constitutes a legal
frame for bycatch monitoring on 5-10% of
fishing
vessels >15 m. The aim of this work was to compare
parameters and
bycatch estimates of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) provided by
observer
programmes in France and UK national reports and those inferred
from stranding data, through two
approaches. Bycatch was estimated from
stranding data,
first by correcting effectives from drift
conditions
(using a drift prediction model) and then by estimating the probability
of being buoyant.
Observer programmes on
fishing vessels allowed us to
identify the specificity of the interaction between
common dolphins
and
fishing gear, and provided low estimates of annual bycaught animals
(around
550 animals year
1). However, observer programmes are hindered
by logistical and administrative
constraints, and the sampling scheme
seems to be poorly designed for the detection of marine
mammal
bycatches. The analyses of strandings by considering drift
conditions highlighted areas with high levels of
interactions between
common dolphins and
fisheries. Since 1997, the highest densities of
bycaught
dolphins at sea were located in the southern part of the
continental shelf and slope of the Bay of Biscay.
Bycatch numbers
inferred from strandings suggested very high levels, ranging from 3650
dolphins year
1
[2250-7000] to 4700 [3850-5750] dolphins year
1,
depending on methodological choices. The main
advantage of stranding
data is its large spatial scale, cutting across administrative
boundaries. Diverging
estimates between observer programmes and
stranding interpretation can set very different
management consequences:
observer programmes suggest a sustainable situation for common
dolphins,
whereas estimates based on strandings highlight a very worrying and
unsustainable process.

Best wishes
Helene Peltier

 

Links:
--
[1]
http://authors.elsevier.com/a/1T3zz5Ce0rOF3A
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[MARMAM] new article: Poxvirus in southern right whale (Carla Fiorito)

[Carla Daniela Fiorito]

Dear MARMAM Colleagues:


We are pleased to announce the following publication in Diseases of Aquatic
Organisms:


Fiorito C, Palacios C, Golemba M, Bratanich A and others (2015)
Identification, molecular and phylogenetic analysis of poxvirus in skin
lesions of southern right whale. Dis Aquat Org 116:157-163

ABSTRACT:

Poxvirus skin disease has been reported in several species of cetaceans,
principally in odontocetes, and a single report in mysticetes. Southern
right whales Eubalaena australis in Peninsula Valdes, Argentina, show a
variety of skin lesions of unknown etiology, and the number of these
lesions has increased in recent years. Samples from dead whales were taken
in order to establish the etiology of these lesions. One calf and one adult
presented ring-type lesions, characterized by a circumscribed and slightly
raised area of skin. Lesions were histologically characterized by the
presence of microvesicles and vacuolated cells in the stratum spinosum,
along with hyperplasia of the stratum corneum and eosinophilic inclusion
bodies in the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells. Transmission electron
microscopy showed aggregations of virions with typical poxvirus morphology.
PCR of cetacean poxvirus (CPV) DNA polymerase, DNA topoisomerase I and
parapoxvirus DNA polymerase gene fragments was done, and confirmed the
presence of poxvirus in one sample. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the
detected poxvirus belongs to the CPV-2 group. This is the first confirmed
report of poxvirus in southern right whales in Argentina.

The article can be downloaded from:
http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/dao/v116/n2/p157-163/
Alternatively, if you are unable to download the article please email me
for a pdf at carlafior...@gmail.com

Kind regards,


*Carla D. Fiorito, Veterinary. Doctoral student. *
*Ecofisiología Aplicada al Manejo y Conservación de la Fauna Silvestre.*
*Ecología, Manejo y Conservación de Sistemas Marinos*

*Centro Nacional Patagónico (CONICET)Bvd. Brown 2815, U9120ACD, Puerto
Madryn*
*Tel: (0280) 154207293*
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[MARMAM] New article - JASA: Spinner dolphin whistle in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean: Is there a geographic variation?

[Juliana Moron]

Dear MARMAM members,We are pleased to announce the following publication:Moron 
J. R.; Amorim T.O.S.; Sucunza F.; Castro F.R.; Rossi-Santos M.; Andriolo A. 
(2015). "Spinner dolphin whistle in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean: Is there a 
geographic variation?". J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 138 (4): 2495–2498. DOI: 
10.1121/1.4931900The paper can be found 
here:http://scitation.aip.org/content/asa/journal/jasa/138/4/10.1121/1.4931900Or
 pdf request can be sent to Juliana Moron (julianamo...@hotmail.com).Best 
wishes on behalf of the authors,Juliana Rodrigues MoronMestre em Ecologia 
Aplicada ao Manejo e Conservação de Recursos Naturais / Master of Applied 
Ecology Management and Natural Resources ConservationLaboratório de Bioacústica 
e Ecologia Comportamental da UFJF -LABEC / Research Laboratory of Behavioral 
Ecology and Bioacoustics UFJF -LABECUniversidade Federal de Juiz de Fora - 
UFJFLattes
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[MARMAM] New article - JASA: Killer whale (Orcinus orca) whistles from the western South Atlantic Ocean include high frequency signals.

[Thiago Amorim]

Dear MARMAM members,

We are pleased to announce the following publication:

Andriolo A.; Reis S.S.; Amorim T.O.S.; Sucunza F.; Castro F.R.; Maia
Y.G.; Zerbini A.N.; Bortolotto G.A.; Dalla Rosa L. (2015). Killer
whale (Orcinus orca) whistles from the western South Atlantic Ocean
include high frequency signals. J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 138 (3):
1696-1701. doi: 10.1121/1.4928308

The paper can be found here:

http://scitation.aip.org/content/asa/journal/jasa/138/3/10.1121/1.4928308

Or pdf request can be sent to Dr. Artur Andriolo (artur.andri...@ufjf.edu.br).

Best regards,

Thiago Amorim
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[MARMAM] New Article: Population Genetics of Franciscana Dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei): Introducing a New Population from the Southern Edge of Their Distribution

[Lic. Maria Constanza Gariboldi]

Dear Colleagues,

We would like to announce the recent publication:

Gariboldi MC, Túnez JI, Dejean CB, Failla M, Vitullo AD, Negri MF, Cappozzo
HL. 2015. Population Genetics of Franciscana Dolphins (*Pontoporia
blainvillei*): Introducing a New Population from the Southern Edge of Their
Distribution. PLoS ONE 10(7):e0132854. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0132854.

Abstract:
Due to anthropogenic factors, the franciscana dolphin, *Pontoporia
blainvillei*, is the most threatened small cetacean on the Atlantic coast
of South America. Four Franciscana Management Areas have been proposed:
Espiritu Santo to Rio de Janeiro (FMA I), São Paulo to Santa Catarina (FMA
II), Rio Grande do Sul to Uruguay (FMA III), and Argentina (FMA IV).
Further genetic studies distinguished additional populations within these
FMAs. We analyzed the population structure, phylogeography, and demographic
history in the southernmost portion of the species range. From the analysis
of mitochondrial DNA control region sequences, 5 novel haplotypes were
found, totalizing 60 haplotypes for the entire distribution range. The
haplotype network did not show an apparent phylogeographical signal for the
southern FMAs. Two populations were identified: Monte Hermoso (MH) and
Necochea (NC)+Claromecó (CL)+Río Negro (RN). The low levels of genetic
variability, the relative constant size over time, and the low levels of
gene flow may indicate that MH has been colonized by a few maternal
lineages and became isolated from geographically close populations. The
apparent increase in NC+CL+RN size would be consistent with the higher
genetic variability found, since genetic diversity is generally higher in
older and expanding populations. Additionally, RN may have experienced a
recent split from CL and NC; current high levels of gene flow may be
occurring between the latter ones. FMA IV would comprise four franciscana
dolphin populations: Samborombón West+Samborombón South, Cabo San
Antonio+Buenos Aires East, NC+CL+Buenos Aires Southwest+RN and MH. Results
achieved in this study need to be taken into account in order to ensure the
long-term survival of the species.

The article can be downloaded from:

http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0132854

Kind regards,

Constanza

-- 
Lic. María Constanza Gariboldi
Centro de Estudios Biomédicos, Biotecnológicos, Ambientales y Diagnóstico -
CEBBAD
Universidad Maimónides
Hidalgo 775 6to piso (1405)
Tel: 4905 1197
Fax: 4905 1133
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[MARMAM] new article on stranding interpretation

[Hélène Peltier]

Dear colleagues,
We are glad to inform you that following article was recently published 
in Environmental Science and Policy.


Peltier  Ridoux, 2015. MARINE MEGAVERTEBRATES ADRIFT: A FRAMEWORK FOR THE 
INTERPRETATION OF STRANDING DATA IN PERSPECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN MARINE STRATEGY 
FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE AND OTHER REGIONAL AGREEMENTS.

Abstract:
 
For many species of marine megafauna, strandings remain the most important source of biological

samples. Because of their opportunistic nature however, strandings data have 
long been under- or
misused in the assessment of population conservation status. Even if many 
national and international
regulations promote the use of strandings in monitoring strategies, the 
interpretation of strandings
remains controversial. The aim of this study is to provide a context for the 
interpretation of marine
megafauna stranding data, in order to assess the achievement of specific 
objectives against Good
Environmental Status criteria in the context of the EU Marine Strategy 
Framework Directive or other
regional agreements. The first step is to construct an a priori spatial 
distribution under a null hypothesis
H0. The a priori spatial distribution of theoretical dead animals can either be 
set uniformly, consistent
with current knowledge on abundance of marine vertebrates, or based on 
management objectives. The
drift prediction of these theoretical carcasses would provide a time series of 
strandings expected under
the null hypothesis. The reverse drift of observed strandings would highlight 
mortality areas of stranded
animals. The correction of these areas by the probability of getting stranded 
according to drift conditions
would provide an estimated distribution of dead animals inferred from 
strandings. The differences
between expected and observed situations constitute anomalies and highlight 
cases where inferred
distribution departs from the a priori spatial distribution. This work proposes 
several population
indicators that can be used anywhere in the world and can be applied for all 
large marine vertebrates
found stranded. The integration of these indicators in MSFD and various 
regional agreements could
provide cost-effective and relevant information on protected species. In the 
context of impaired
ecological situations, the complementary use of several population indicators 
could strengthen the
diagnosis made regarding conservation status and hence conservation strategies.



King regards,
Helene Peltier



Marine megavertebrates adrift: A framework for the interpretation of stranding 
data in perspective of the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive and 
other regional agreements

--
Helene PELTIER, phD
Observatoire PELAGIS, UMS 3462 CNRS/Université La Rochelle
5 allées de l'océan
17000 LA ROCHELLE, FRANCE
office: +33 5 16 49 67 82
cell phone: +33 6 82 74 08 41

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[MARMAM] NEW ARTICLE: Echolocation parameters of Australian humpback dolphins and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins

[Mafalda de Freitas]

Dear MARMAM subscribers,


We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in the
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America.



de Freitas, M., Jensen, F.H., Tyne, J., Bejder, L., and Madsen, P.T. (2015)
”Echolocation parameters of Australian humpback dolphins (*Sousa sahulensis*)
and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops aduncus*) in the wild”. J.
Acoust. Soc. Am., 137:3033-3041.



ABSTRACT: Echolocation is a key sensory modality for toothed whale
orientation, navigation, and foraging. However, a more comparative
understanding of the biosonar properties of toothed whales is necessary to
understand behavioral and evolutionary adaptions. To address this, two
free-ranging sympatric delphinid species, Australian humpback dolphins (*Sousa
sahulensis*) and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops aduncus*),
were studied. Biosonar clicks from both species were recorded within the
same stretch of coastal habitat in Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia, using a
vertical seven element hydrophone array. *S. sahulensis* used biosonar
clicks with a mean source level of 199 6 3 dB re 1 lPa peak-peak (pp), mean
centroid frequency of 106 6 11 kHz, and emitted at interclick intervals
(ICIs) of 79 6 33 ms. These parameters were similar to click parameters of
sympatric *T. aduncus*, characterized by mean source levels of 204 6 4 dB
re 1 lPa pp, centroid frequency of 112 6 9 kHz, and ICIs of 73 6 29 ms.
These properties are comparable to those of other similar sized delphinids
and suggest that biosonar parameters are independent of sympatric
delphinids and possibly driven by body size. The dynamic biosonar behavior
of these delphinids may have, consequently, allowed for adaptations to
local environments through high levels of control over sonar beam
properties.




The article can be found at:

http://scitation.aip.org/content/asa/journal/jasa/137/6/10.1121/1.4921277?aemail=author



PDFs can be requested at mafalda...@gmail.com




Best,

Mafalda de Freitas
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[MARMAM] New article on Long-term presence and habitat use of Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) in the central Tyrrhenian Sea

[Antonella Arcangeli]

Dear all,

we are please to inform you that our article on Long-term presence and
habitat use of Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) in the central
Tyrrhenian Sea is now available.

Abstract

Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris, G. Cuvier 1823) is a poorly
known species and many international agreements have asked for a better
understanding of its biology for conservation purposes. In the present
study, systematic cetacean surveys were carried out from ferries along a
trans- regional fixed transect in the Central Tyrrhenian Sea (Civitavecchia,
Latium - Golfo Aranci, Sardinia), just outside the southeastern border of
the Pelagos Sanctuary. This research provided long-term, consistent data on
Cuvier's beaked whale during two research periods (1990-1992 and 2007-2011).
The objective of the research was to compare the presence, distribution and
habitat use of Cuvier's beaked whale between the two investigated periods.
Summer data (June-September) from the two periods were compared in terms of
frequency of sightings, group size and spatial distribution related to the
main ecogeographical features. A presence-absence model (generalized
additive modeling) was performed to predict habitat suitability in the two
study periods. The results highlight long-term site fidelity of Cuvier's
beaked whale in the Central Tyrrhenian Sea with encounter rates comparable
to the ones reported for other key areas. Separate suitability models based
on 1990s and 2000s data appeared to work for each individual time period but
differences were evident between the two periods, indicating changes in
habitat selection over time. Our findings of the study appear to expand the
definition of suitable beaked whale habitat and underline how the temporal
scale of the analysis can affect the results in habitat studies. Moreover,
this research highlights the importance of the Central Tyrrhenian Sea marine
region for Cuvier's beaked whale and the ability of continuous monitoring to
identify changes in cetacean frequency and distribution, necessary for
adaptive conservation management approaches.

 

You can find the article at the link:

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10./maec.12272/abstract

 

or request a copy by email to: antonella.arcang...@isprambiente.it

 

 

Hope you can find it interesting,

All the best J

 

Antonella, Ilaria, Luca, Colin

 

 



Antonella Arcangeli

ISPRA Dep. for Nature Conservation

Via Brancati 60 00144 Rome Italy

antonella.arcang...@isprambiente.it

ph. +39.06.50074470

mob. +39.349.3272200

***

 

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[MARMAM] new article - Risso's dolphin hearing

[Aran Mooney]

We are pleased to announce the publication of a new article on hearing 
pathways in the Risso's dolphin, with comparison's to other species.


Mooney, TA, Yan, J, Yu, U, Ketten, DR, and Jen, IF. 2015. Hearing 
abilities and sound reception of broadband sounds in an adult Risso’s 
dolphin (Grampus griseus). Journal of Comparative Physiology A. doi: 
10.1007/s00359-015-1011-x


Copies of the article may be found in the Online First Section at the J. 
of Comparative Physiology: 
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00359-015-1011-x

or by contacting Aran Mooney,  amoo...@whoi.edu

Abstract
While odontocetes do not have an external pinna that guides sound 
to the middle ear, they are considered to receive sound through 
specialized regions of the head and lower jaw. Yet odontocetes differ in 
the shape of the lower jaw suggesting that hearing pathways may vary 
between species, potentially influencing hearing directionality and 
noise impacts. This work measured the audiogram and received sensitivity 
of a Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) in an effort to comparatively 
examine how this species receives sound. Jaw hearing thresholds were 
lowest (most sensitive) at two locations along the anterior, midline 
region of the lower jaw (the lower jaw tip and anterior part of the 
throat). Responses were similarly low along a more posterior region of 
the lower mandible, considered the area of best hearing in bottlenose 
dolphins. Left and right side differences were also noted suggesting 
possible left-right asymmetries in sound reception or differences in ear 
sensitivities. The results indicate best hearing pathways may vary 
between the Risso’s dolphin and other odontocetes measured. This animal 
received sound well, supporting a proposed throat pathway. For Risso’s 
dolphins in particular, good ventral hearing would support their 
acoustic ecology by facilitating echo-detection from their proposed 
downward oriented echolocation beam.


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[MARMAM] New article on bottlenose dolphin abundance and social structure in the English Channel

[Marie Louis]

Dear all,

We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article:

Louis M., Gally F., Barbraud C., Béesau J., Tixier P., Simon-Bouhet B., Le Rest 
K., Guinet C. 2015. Social structure and abundance of coastal bottlenose 
dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, in the Normano-Breton Gulf, English Channel. 
Journal of Mammalogy. DOI: 10.1093/jmamma/gyv053

Abstract
A large, but poorly studied, bottlenose dolphin community, Tursiops truncatus, 
inhabits coastal waters of
Normandy (Normano-Breton Gulf, English Channel, France). In this study, the 
social structure and abundance of
this community were assessed using photo-identification techniques. Like other 
bottlenose dolphin communities
worldwide, this resident community has a fission–fusion social structure with 
fluid associations among individuals
(half-weight index = 0.10). Association patterns were highly variable as 
indicated by a high social differentiation
(S = 0.95 ± 0.03). The majority of associations were casual, lasting days to 
months. However, individuals exhibited
also a smaller proportion of long-term relationships. A mean group size of 26 
was large compared with other
resident coastal communities, and variable, ranging from 1 to 100, which could 
be the results of ecological
conditions, in particular resource predictability and availability. Analyses 
also showed that the community was
organized in 3 social clusters that were not completely isolated from each 
other. Abundance was estimated at 420
dolphins (95% confidence interval: 331–521), making this coastal community one 
of the largest identified along
European coastlines. Because human activities in the Gulf are expected to 
increase in the upcoming years, longterm
demographic monitoring of this dolphin community will be critical for its 
management.

The article can be download from: 
http://jmammal.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/04/30/jmammal.gyv053 or 
you can email me for a copy.



Best wishes,

Marie

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[MARMAM] New article on the inference on cetacean population densities from the sea level of the ocean

[Mario A. Pardo]

Dear MARMAM subscribers,

My coauthors and I are pleased to share with you the recent publication 
of the article:


Pardo MA, Gerrodette T, Beier E, Gendron D, Forney KA, Chivers JS, 
Barlow J, Palacios DM (2015) Inferring Cetacean Population Densities 
from the Absolute Dynamic Topography of the Ocean in a Hierarchical 
Bayesian Framework. PLoS ONE 10(3): e0120727. 
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0120727


Abstract
We inferred the population densities of blue whales (/Balaenoptera 
musculus/) and short-beaked common dolphins (/Delphinus delphis/) in the 
Northeast Pacific Ocean as functions of the water-column’s physical 
structure by implementing hierarchical models in a Bayesian framework. 
This approach allowed us to propagate the uncertainty of the field 
observations into the inference of species-habitat relationships and to 
generate spatially explicit population density predictions with reduced 
effects of sampling heterogeneity. Our hypothesis was that the 
large-scale spatial distributions of these two cetacean species respond 
primarily to ecological processes resulting from shoaling and 
outcropping of the pycnocline in regions of wind-forced upwelling and 
eddy-like circulation. Physically, these processes affect the 
thermodynamic balance of the water column, decreasing its volume and 
thus the height of the absolute dynamic topography (ADT). Biologically, 
they lead to elevated primary productivity and persistent aggregation of 
low-trophic-level prey. Unlike other remotely sensed variables, ADT 
provides information about the structure of the entire water column and 
it is also routinely measured at high spatial-temporal resolution by 
satellite altimeters with uniform global coverage. Our models provide 
spatially explicit population density predictions for both species, even 
in areas where the pycnocline shoals but does not outcrop (e.g. the 
Costa Rica Dome and the North Equatorial Countercurrent thermocline 
ridge). Interannual variations in distribution during El Niño anomalies 
suggest that the population density of both species decreases 
dramatically in the Equatorial Cold Tongue and the Costa Rica Dome, and 
that their distributions retract to particular areas that remain 
productive, such as the more oceanic waters in the central California 
Current System, the northern Gulf of California, the North Equatorial 
Countercurrent thermocline ridge, and the more southern portion of the 
Humboldt Current System. We posit that such reductions in available 
foraging habitats during climatic disturbances could incur high 
energetic costs on these populations, ultimately affecting individual 
fitness and survival.


The full article is freely available at: 
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0120727


Kind regards,

--
*Mario A. Pardo*
CICESE http://www.cicese.edu.mx/ - Unidad La Paz http://ulp.cicese.mx/
Research Associate
Project CONACyT-SEP-2011-168034-T-1753
Miraflores 334, La Paz, BCS 23050, Mexico
Tel: +52(612)1213031 Ext. 28116
ResearchGate https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mario_Pardo2/ | 
LinkedIn http://mx.linkedin.com/pub/mario-a-pardo/4b/272/a1b | 
GoogleScholar http://scholar.google.com/citations?user=EX8mZ9AJhl=en
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[MARMAM] new article

[Silvina Botta]

Dear all
We are happy to announce the publication of the following paper in *Marine
Ecology Progress Series*
Ba/Ca ratios in teeth reveal habitat use patterns of dolphins
S. Botta, C. Albuquerque, A. A. Hohn, V. M. F. da Silva, M. C. O. Santos,
C. Meirelles, L. Barbosa, A. P. M. Di Beneditto, R. M. A. Ramos, C.
Bertozzi, M. J. Cremer, V. Franco-Trecu, N. Miekeley, E. R. Secchi
ABSTRACT: Teeth and otoliths are metabolically inert structures that
preserve a chronology of chemical variations that may be related to the
environmental histories experienced by each organism. Because of the
natural decrease of barium (Ba) and increase of strontium (Sr)
bioavailability in water with increasing salinity, these elements may be
especially useful to track habitat use in aquatic organisms. Therefore, we
tested whether the Ba/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios in the teeth of dolphins
represent a salinity gradient. The main aim was to determine whether these
elements can be used as a natural tag for different aquatic environments.
Teeth from 2 freshwater dolphins (*Inia geoffrensis* and *Sotalia
fluviatilis*) and 2 marine species (*S. guianensis* and *Pontoporia
blainvillei*) from Brazil and Uruguay were analyzed using a Laser Ablation
Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer. Intensity ratios of 138Ba/43Ca
and 86Sr/43Ca were measured along a line that covered all growth increments
in the dentin from the second year of life onwards. Teeth from the
freshwater species had mean Ba/Ca values tenfold higher than marine
dolphins, confirming the inverse relationship between salinity (and thus
ambient Ba/Ca) and elemental ratios in teeth. Furthermore, Ba/Ca ratios
could also differentiate dolphins from lower-salinity estuarine areas from
those in areas with minimal freshwater discharge. No significant
differences were found for Sr/Ca values. Results presented encouraging
indications for the application of this technique as a potential new tool
for studying habitat use in aquatic mammals.

The paper can be downloaded here:
http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v521/p249-263/

Also, you can contact me for a pdf copy or any questions (silbo...@gmail.com
)
Cheers
Silvina Botta
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[MARMAM] NEW ARTICLE: Behavioural Effects of Tourism on Oceanic Common Dolphins in New Zealand

[Anna Meissner]

Dear MARMAM colleagues,



On behalf of my co-authors I am pleased to announce the publication of the
following paper:



Meissner AM, Christiansen F, Martinez E, Pawley MDM, Orams MB (2015)
Behavioural Effects of Tourism on Oceanic Common Dolphins, *Delphinus* sp.,
in New Zealand: The Effects of Markov Analysis Variations and Current Tour
Operator Compliance with Regulations. PLoS ONE 10(1): e0116962.
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0116962



Abstract:

Common dolphins, *Delphinus* sp., are one of the marine mammal species
tourism operations in New Zealand focus on. While effects of
cetacean-watching activities have previously been examined in coastal
regions in New Zealand, this study is the first to investigate effects of
commercial tourism and recreational vessels on common dolphins in an open
oceanic habitat. Observations from both an independent research vessel and
aboard commercial tour vessels operating off the central and east coast Bay
of Plenty, North Island, New Zealand were used to assess dolphin behaviour
and record the level of compliance by permitted commercial tour operators
and private recreational vessels with New Zealand regulations. Dolphin
behaviour was assessed using two different approaches to Markov chain
analysis in order to examine variation of responses of dolphins to vessels.
Results showed that, regardless of the variance in Markov methods, dolphin
foraging behaviour was significantly altered by boat interactions. Dolphins
spent less time foraging during interactions and took significantly longer
to return to foraging once disrupted by vessel presence. This research
raises concerns about the potential disruption to feeding, a biologically
critical behaviour. This may be particularly important in an open oceanic
habitat, where prey resources are typically widely dispersed and
unpredictable in abundance. Furthermore, because tourism in this region
focuses on common dolphins transiting between adjacent coastal locations,
the potential for cumulative effects could exacerbate the local effects
demonstrated in this study. While the overall level of compliance by
commercial operators was relatively high, non-compliance to the regulations
was observed with time restriction, number or speed of vessels interacting
with dolphins not being respected. Additionally, prohibited swimming with
calves did occur. The effects shown in this study should be carefully
considered within conservation management plans, in order to reduce the
risk of detrimental effects on common dolphins within the region.



A copy of the article can be downloaded at:
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0116962
https://owa.massey.ac.nz/owa/redir.aspx?C=2Y8i6RRtI0qogwcFwULUVHsgGZFvA9II2abnnc0PteJY_o2kde1o0vcw5ivGotHWwLvi-J4TAQ0.URL=http%3a%2f%2fjournals.plos.org%2fplosone%2farticle%3fid%3d10.1371%2fjournal.pone.0116962



Please do not hesitate to contact me at anna.meiss...@gmail.com if you are
unable to download it.



Kindest regards,


Anna Meissner

-
Anna M. Meissner
PhD student
Coastal-Marine Research Group
Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences
Massey University
Private Bag 102 904
North Shore City, 0745
Auckland, New Zealand

Tel: +64 9 414 0800 ext 41520
Cell: +64 22 603 6646
Fax: +64 9 443 9790

Email: a.m.meiss...@massey.ac.nz
Web: http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz
-
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[MARMAM] New article: High-frequency whistles of Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) in Guanabara Bay, southeastern Brazil

[Luciana Guimarães]

On behalf of all the co-authors, we are pleased to announce the publication of 
the following paper:

High-frequency whistles of Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) in Guanabara 
Bay, southeastern Brazil. 
Abstract: Guiana dolphins produce whistles with a higher frequency and less 
complexity than most other delphinid species. The presentstudy used a recording 
system with sampling rate of 192 kHz to describe the high-frequency whistles of 
Sotalia guianensis in Guanabara Bay,Rio de Janeiro. Eleven acoustic parameters 
(start, end, minimum, maximum, delta, center and peak frequency, duration, and 
frequency at 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 duration) were measured for all whistles. 
Whistles with a fundamental frequency up to 66.7 kHz were reported, thereby 
expanding the known frequency range of this species. 
JASA Express Letters, DOI: 10.1121/1.4902428
Please download the article from the following link:
URL: http://scitation.aip.org/content/asa/journal/jasa/137/1?aemail=author
Or by e-mail: andrade.u...@gmail.com
Best regards, Luciana Guimarães de Andrade
Doutoranda - Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Evolução - UERJ
Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores - MAQUA -Faculdade de 
Oceanografia
Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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[MARMAM] New article on bottlenose dolphin population demographic history, ecology and morphology in the North-east Atlantic

[Marie Louis]

Dear all,

We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article:

Louis M., Fontaine M. C., Spitz J., Schlund E., Dabin W., Deaville R., Caurant 
F., Cherel Y., Guinet C. and Simon-Bouhet B. 2014. Ecological opportunities and 
specializations shaped genetic divergence in a highly mobile marine top 
predator. Proc. R. Soc. B 281(1795): 20141558. (doi:
  10.1098/rspb.2014.1558)

Abstract:
Environmental conditions can shape genetic and morphological divergence.
 Release of new habitats during historical environmental
 changes was a major driver of evolutionary 
diversification. Here, forces shaping population structure and ecotype 
differentiation
 (‘pelagic’ and ‘coastal’) of bottlenose dolphins in
 the North-east Atlantic were investigated using complementary 
evolutionary
 and ecological approaches. Inference of population 
demographic history using approximate Bayesian computation indicated 
that
 coastal populations were likely founded by the 
Atlantic pelagic population after the Last Glacial Maxima probably as a 
result
 of newly available coastal ecological niches. 
Pelagic dolphins from the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea likely 
diverged
 during a period of high productivity in the 
Mediterranean Sea. Genetic differentiation between coastal and pelagic 
ecotypes
 may be maintained by niche specializations, as 
indicated by stable isotope and stomach content analyses, and social 
behaviour.
 The two ecotypes were only weakly morphologically 
segregated in contrast to other parts of the World Ocean. This may be 
linked
 to weak contrasts between coastal and pelagic 
habitats and/or a relatively recent divergence. We suggest that 
ecological opportunity
 to specialize is a major driver of genetic and 
morphological divergence. Combining genetic, ecological and 
morphological approaches
 is essential to understanding the population 
structure of mobile and cryptic species.
  

The article can be download from: 
http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/281/1795/20141558.abstract or 
you can email me for a copy.



Best wishes,

Marie


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[MARMAM] new article on strandings as indicators of cetacean populations

[Hélène Peltier]

Dear colleagues,

I am glad to inform you that following article was recently published in 
Ecological Indicators:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470160X13005153

Peltier, H., P. D. Jepson, W. Dabin, R. Deaville, O. Van Canneyt, P. 
Daniel, and V. Ridoux. (2014). THE CONTRIBUTION OF STRANDING DATA TO 
MONITORING AND CONSERVATION STRATEGIES FOR CETACEANS: DEVELOPING 
SPATIALLY EXPLICIT MORTALITY INDICATORS FOR COMMON DOLPHINS (DELPHINUS 
DELPHIS) IN THE EASTERN NORTH-ATLANTIC. Ecological Indicators, 39, 203-214.


Abstract

Cetacean strandings are an important source of information on cetacean 
population status and of biological samples. Nevertheless, collecting 
stranding data remains opportunistic and their representativity must be 
improved. The aim of this study was to improve the ecological 
significance of strandings, through the determination of stranded common 
dolphin origin found along the coasts of the Channel and the Bay of 
Biscay, by using the drift prediction model MOTHY. In order to map 
inferred distribution of dead dolphins, origin of strandings were 
weighted by the probability that cetaceans dying at sea become stranded. 
The difference between observed stranding origin and origin of expected 
strandings under the hypothesis of spatial and temporal uniformity of 
dead cetaceans, constituted the anomaly in stranding origin. Between 
1990 and 2009, 6182 common dolphin strandings were reported by the UK 
and French stranding networks. Distribution inferred from strandings 
suggested that common dolphins died mostly in the neritic Bay of Biscay. 
The anomaly in stranding origin was maximal in the southern Bay of 
Biscay, highlighted as an area of high relative abundance or strong 
mortality for common dolphin. The monthly decomposition of this anomaly 
showed that positive anomaly was located in the southern Bay of Biscay 
in winter and expanded northward over the whole Bay of Biscay and 
western Channel in spring and summer. These results were consistent with 
current knowledge on common dolphin distribution and provide new insight 
on strandings as cetacean population indicators. These parameters are 
essential components for assessing the conservation status of vulnerable 
populations.


The pdf is available on request.

Please note too that recent article on stranding anomaly of harbor 
porpoises published in Plos ONE was corrected.

http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0062180

Best wishes
Helene Peltier.

--

Hélène PELTIER -PhD

Observatoire PELAGIS UMS 3462
Université de La Rochelle-CNRS
5, allées de l'océan
17000 La Rochelle, France


hpelt...@univ-lr.fr

+33 (0) 16 49 67 82 /+33 (0) 6 82 74 08 41

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[MARMAM] new article - porpoise hearing

[Aran Mooney]

Hi,
Can you please post this announcement regarding a new research article 
on the hearing in finless porpoise.
It is open access so people can download directly from the Journal of 
Experimental Biology or contact me at the email below.

thank you.

Hearing pathways in the Yangtze finless porpoise, Neophocaena 
asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis

T. Aran Mooney, Songhai Li, Darlene R. Ketten, Kexiong Wang and Ding Wang
February 1, 2014 J Exp Biol 217, 444-452.
* Author for correspondence (amoo...@whoi.edu)

Abstract

How an animal receives sound may influence its use of sound. While ‘jaw 
hearing’ is well supported for odontocetes, work examining how sound is 
received across the head has been limited to a few representative 
species. The substantial variation in jaw and head morphology among 
odontocetes suggests variation in sound reception. Here, we address how 
a divergent subspecies, the Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena 
asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis) hears low-, mid- and high-frequency 
tones, as well as broadband clicks, comparing sounds presented at 
different locations across the head. Hearing was measured using auditory 
evoked potentials (AEPs). Click and tone stimuli (8, 54 and 120 kHz) 
were presented at nine locations on the head and body using a 
suction-cup transducer. Threshold differences were compared between 
frequencies and locations, and referenced to the underlying anatomy 
using computed tomography (CT) imaging of deceased animals of the same 
subspecies. The best hearing locations with minimum thresholds were 
found adjacent to a mandibular fat pad and overlaying the auditory 
bulla. Mean thresholds were not substantially different at locations 
from the rostrum tip to the ear (11.6 dB). This contrasts with tests 
with bottlenose dolphins and beluga whales, in which 30–40 dB threshold 
differences were found across the animals' heads. Response latencies 
increased with decreasing response amplitudes, which suggests that 
latency and sensitivity are interrelated when considering sound 
reception across the odontocete head. The results suggest that there are 
differences among odontocetes in the anatomy related to receiving sound, 
and porpoises may have relatively less acoustic ‘shadowing’.


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Re: [MARMAM] New article about UV filter Determination in Dolphins

[Mariana Alonso]

Dear all,


I am pleased to announce the publication of the following article:



P. Gago-Ferrero, M. B. Alonso, C. Bertozzi, J. Marigo, L. Barbosa, M.
Cremer, E. Secchi, C. Domit, A. Azevedo, J. Lailson-Brito, J. P. M. Torres, O.
Malm, E. Eljarrat, M. S. Díaz-Cruz and D. Barceló

(2013)

“*First Determination of UV Filters in Marine Mammals. Octocrylene **Levels
in Franciscana Dolphins**”*

*Environment Science and Technology *



ABSTRACT: Most current bioexposure assessments for UV filters focus on
contaminants concentrations in fish from river and lake. To date there is
not information available on the occurrence of UV filters in marine
mammals. This is the first study to investigate the presence of sunscreen
agents in tissue liver of Franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei), a
species under special measures for conservation. Fifty six liver tissue samples
were taken from dead individuals accidentally caught or found stranded
along the Brazilian coastal area (six states). The extensively used
octocrylene (2-ethylhexyl-2-cyano-3,3- diphenyl-2-propenoate, OCT) was
frequently found in the samples investigated (21 out of 56) at
concentrations in the range 89−782 ng·g−1 lipid weight. São Paulo was
found to be the most polluted area (70% frequency of detection).
Nevertheless, the highest concentration was observed in the dolphins from Rio
Grande do Sul (42% frequency of detection within that area). These findings
constitute the first data reported on the occurrence of UV filters in
marine mammals worldwide.



The full text and pdf is available from:
*http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es400675y*http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es400675y




For any questions or pdf requests please email:

Mariana Alonso: alonso...@gmail.com s...@st-andrews.ac.uk



Best wishes,

Mariana


-- 
*Dra. Mariana Batha Alonso *
*Instituto de Biofísica da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
(IBCCF-UFRJ) (*www.biof.ufrj.br/pesquisa/ambiental/radioisotopos/)
*Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores da Universidade do
Estado do Rio de Janeiro (MAQUA-UERJ) **(**www.maqua.uerj.br
http://www.maqua.uerj.br/)*
*Projeto BioPesca, Praia Grande, S**P **(**www.biopesca.org.br
http://www.biopesca.org.br/)*

*Environmental Biophysics - **Federal **University of Rio de Janeiro UFRJ,
Brazil (**www.biof.ufrj.br/en/ http://www.biof.ufrj.br/en/)*
*Aquatic Mammal and Bioindicator Lab MAQUA- ** Rio de Janeiro **State
**University
UERJ**, Brazil (**www.maqua.uerj.br http://www.maqua.uerj.br)*
*Projeto BioPesca, São Paulo, Brazil (**www.biopesca.org.br
http://www.biopesca.org.br)*
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[MARMAM] new article on strandings as population indicators

[Hélène Peltier]

Dear colleagues,

I am glad to inform you that a new article is now available online:

http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0062180

*The Stranding Anomaly as Population Indicator: The Case of Harbour 
Porpoise /Phocoena phocoena/ in North-Western Europe.*


Helene Peltier, Hans J. Baagøe,Kees C. J. Camphuysen,Richard Czeck,Willy 
Dabin,Pierre Daniel,Rob Deaville,Jan Haelters,Thierry Jauniaux,Lasse F. 
Jensen,Paul D. Jepson,Guido O. Keijl,Ursula Siebert,Olivier Van 
Canneyt,Vincent Ridoux

*
*Abstract:
Ecological indicators for monitoring strategies are expected to combine 
three major characteristics: ecological significance, statistical 
credibility, and cost-effectiveness. Strategies based on stranding 
networks rank highly in cost-effectiveness, but their ecological 
significance and statistical credibility are disputed. Our present goal 
is to improve the value of stranding data as population indicator as 
part of monitoring strategies by constructing the spatial and temporal 
null hypothesis for strandings. The null hypothesis is defined as: small 
cetacean distribution and mortality are uniform in space and constant in 
time. We used a drift model to map stranding probabilities and predict 
stranding patterns of cetacean carcasses under H_0 across the North Sea, 
the Channel and the Bay of Biscay, for the period 1990--2009. As the 
most common cetacean occurring in this area, we chose the harbour 
porpoise /Phocoena phocoena/ for our modelling. The difference between 
these strandings expected under H_0 and observed strandings is defined 
as the stranding anomaly. It constituted the stranding data series 
corrected for drift conditions. Seasonal decomposition of stranding 
anomaly suggested that drift conditions did not explain observed 
seasonal variations of porpoise strandings. Long-term stranding 
anomalies increased first in the southern North Sea, the Channel and Bay 
of Biscay coasts, and finally the eastern North Sea. The hypothesis of 
changes in porpoise distribution was consistent with local visual 
surveys, mostly SCANS surveys (1994 and 2005). This new indicator could 
be applied to cetacean populations across the world and more widely to 
marine megafauna.


All the best
Helene Peltier

--

Hélène PELTIER -PhD

Observatoire PELAGIS UMS 3462
Université de La Rochelle-CNRS
5, allées de l'océan
17000 La Rochelle, France


hpelt...@univ-lr.fr

+33 (0) 16 49 67 82 /+33 (0) 6 82 74 08 41

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[MARMAM] new article on underwater noise of jetskis

[Christine Erbe]

Dear fellow MARMAM-ers,

to those of you studying underwater noise impacts on marine mammals, a new 
article describing underwater noise of small personal watercraft (jetskis) has 
just been published online in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 
A pdf can be downloaded FOR FREE from:

URL: http://link.aip.org/link/?JAS/133/EL326
DOI: 10.1121/1.4795220

Erbe, C. (2013) “Underwater noise of small personal watercraft (jet skis)”, 
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 133(4): EL326-EL330.

Personal watercraft (water scooters, jet skis) were recorded under water in 
Bramble Bay, Queensland, Australia. Underwater noise emissions consisted of 
broadband energy between 100Hz and 10kHz due to the vibrating bubble cloud 
generated by the jet stream, overlain with frequency-modulated tonals 
corresponding to impeller blade rates and harmonics. Broadband monopole source 
levels were 149, 137, and 122dB re 1uPa @ 1m (5th, 50th, and 95th percentiles). 
Even though these are lower than those of small propeller-driven boats, it is 
not necessarily the broadband source level that correlates with the bioacoustic 
impact on marine fauna.



Cheers, Christine

Christine Erbe
Centre for Marine Science and Technology
Curtin University, Perth
GPO Box U1987, Western Australia 6845
Tel.: +61 8 9266 7543
Email: c.e...@curtin.edu.au 
Web: http://cmst.curtin.edu.au

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[MARMAM] New article in Marine Biology about dolphins and aquaculture

[Bruno Diaz]

Dear MARMAM readers,

I am pleased to announce the publication of my new paper in Marine Biology:

Bruno Diaz Lopez (2012) Bottlenose dolphins and aquaculture: interaction and 
site fidelity on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia (Italy). Marine Biology 
DOI 10.1007/s00227-012-2002-x

ABSTRACT:
Owing to the worldwide growth of aquaculture over the last years, new habitats 
have been created through the supplement of nutrients. This addition of 
nutrients affects the whole marine food web, resulting in predator species such 
as bottlenose dolphins becoming attracted to these areas. During this 
5-year-long study that was carried out along the north-eastern coast of 
Sardinia (Italy), bottlenose dolphin’s history of exposure to aquaculture 
perturbations and their effects was documented. The interaction with a fish 
farm was assessed by studying the site fidelity, group dynamics, and seasonal 
and yearly occurrence. In all, 1,838 hours were spent in the field. Behavioural 
observations showed that the predominant activity (89 % of the time) in the 
fish farm was foraging (predation and depredation). The occurrence of 
bottlenose dolphins appeared to be related with the seasons and with the fish 
farm harvesting operations. Thus, the peak dolphin occurrence
 in the fish farm area throughout Fall coincides with the period in which they 
spend most of their time foraging. A relatively small community remained 
resident interacting with the fish farm over a long period of time. Hence, 
these individuals gained intimate knowledge on how to capitalize on the fish 
farm industry. This heterogeneity in site fidelity and residence patterns is 
highly relevant when coastal management initiatives are considered.

A PDF copy of the paper in press can be accessed via :  
http://www.springerlink.com/content/5k386u71v8060252/?MUD=MP 

or via email requests to: Bruno Diaz Lopez (br...@thebdri.com),

Best regards, 
Bruno Diaz Lopez 
Chief Researcher / Marine Zoologist 
Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI 
V.Armando Diaz Nº4 07020 Golfo Aranci (SS) Italy 
www.thebdri.com 
i...@thebdri.com  
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