[MARMAM] New paper on harbor seals

[Thomas Jefferson]

Dear MARMAM,  My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of 
our new paper on harbor seals in Washington State, USA:
Estimating the stock size of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii) in the 
inland waters of Washington State using line-transect methods
Thomas A. Jefferson, Mari A. Smultea, Eric J. Ward, and Barry Berejikian

Abstract
Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii) in the inland waters of Washington were 
reduced by
predator control programs in the twentieth century, but stocks have rebounded 
since being
protected in the 1970s. Three management stocks are recognized, but there is 
little information
on their current abundance. We conducted 38,431 km of aerial line-transect 
surveys
throughout the range of these stocks in 2013–2016, sighting a total of 4,678 
groups of harbor
seals. Line-transect analysis with Beaufort sea state as a covariate provided 
estimates
of the number of seals in the water. We then incorporated tagging data from 15 
instrumented
seals to develop correction factors, both for seals missed in the water while 
diving, and
those that were on shore. Tagging data were modeled with generalized linear 
mixed models
to provide estimates of the proportions diving and hauled out. After applying 
these correction
factors, we estimated that the Hood Canal stock contained 1,368 seals (CV = 
16.8%), the
Southern Puget Sound stock contained 1,976 seals (CV = 20.5%), and the 
Washington
Northern Inland Waters stock contained 7,513 seals (CV = 11.5%). This study 
presents a
non-traditional approach to estimating the size of Washington inland waters 
harbor seal
stocks, which may also be applicable to other species for which survey and 
tagging data are available.
The paper is open-acces and can be downloaded from this link:
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0241254
Best wishes,Tom jeffersonsclym...@aol.com
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[MARMAM] New publication: Commerson's dolphins can relax acoustic crypsis

[Morgan J. Martin]

Dear All,

On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of our
new paper, "Commerson’s dolphins (*Cephalorhynchus commersonii*) can relax
acoustic crypsis".

Morgan J. Martin, Sara Torres Ortiz, M. Vanesa Reyes Reyes, Alexander
Marino, Miguel Iñíguez Bessega, & Magnus Wahlberg (2021). Commerson’s
dolphins (*Cephalorhynchus commersonii*) can relax acoustic crypsis.
*Behavioral
Ecology and Sociobiology*, 75(6), 100. doi:10.1007/s00265-021-03035-y

Abstract:
Toothed whales use powerful ultrasonic biosonar pulses (i.e. clicks) for
echolocation. Underwater acoustic recordings have suggested that the
majority of toothed whale species can be grouped acoustically as either
producing broadband clicks or narrowband high-frequency (NBHF) clicks.
Recently, it has been shown that Heaviside’s dolphins, *Cephalorhynchus
heavisidii*, emit NBHF clicks for echolocation but also clicks of lower
frequency and broader bandwidth for communication. Here, we use acoustic
recorders and drone video footage to reinforce previous findings that
Commerson’s dolphins (*C. commersonii*) produce signals similar to
Heaviside’s dolphins. We reveal that they use clicks with a lower frequency
and broader bandwidth in the form of click trains and burst-pulses. These
sounds were not recorded in the presence of smaller groups of Commerson’s
dolphins, indicating that they may fulfil a communication function in
larger groups. Also, we utilised a novel combination of drone video footage
paired with underwater acoustic recordings to estimate the source level of
echolocation clicks produced by Commerson’s dolphins. In addition, we
compare the acoustic signals produced by Commerson’s and Heaviside’s
dolphins to identify interspecific similarities and differences. Spectral
differences were found in NBHF click trains, buzzes and burst-pulses
between species; however, bandwidth and duration parameters were not
significantly different for broadband click trains. Our findings make it
likely that all four species of the *Cephalorhynchus* genus have the
ability to generate both signal types, and further challenges the
evolutionary concept of NBHF signal production.

Significance statement:
This study confirms the presence of a dual echolocation click (i.e.
biosonar) strategy in Commerson’s dolphins, making them the second species
of their genus known to produce two types of biosonar. We provide an
in-depth quantitative analysis of Commerson’s dolphin acoustic signal
types, and include a comparison of signal types between Commerson’s
dolphins and the other species known to produce two types of biosonar, the
Heaviside’s dolphin. *In addition, this is the first study to combine drone
footage with underwater acoustic recordings to measure the source level of
toothed whale echolocation signals.* We use this novel technique to provide
source levels measured from Commerson’s dolphin echolocation clicks which
are comparable to published values for this species calculated using an
expensive and complicated array of hydrophones. Thus, we provide a simpler
and more cost effective way to study sounds produced by marine mammals.

This paper can be downloaded from: https://rdcu.be/cmXkC
Please feel free to email me for a pdf copy at mjmar...@sandiego.edu

Best wishes,
Morgan J. Martin, PhD

Postdoctoral researcher
University of Victoria, BC, Canada
Wildlife Conservation Society Canada
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[MARMAM] New paper on cetacean Gastro-Intestinal tract analysis methodology

[Sandro Mazzariol]

Dear all
my co-authors and I are happy to annouce the recent publication of a 
paper summarizing a multidisciplinary approach to analyze the 
gastro-intestinal tract content and walls. Currently procedures used to 
obtain samples from the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) and protocols used 
to perform their respective analyses do not allow a multidisciplinary 
approach of this system. In fact, the investigations applied on the GIT, 
when performed singularly, could impair or limit the other analyses, 
because the currently procedures do not consider the needs of other 
disciplines. This means that the analyses to perform must be selected a 
priori, sacrificing the collection of other types of data and leads to 
the risk of losing important information, especially for wildlife 
species. To solve this conflict, we implement and standardize a new 
methodological approach to the GIT of marine mammals, which allow the 
collection of samples for different disciplines at the same time, 
performing the respective analyses, interpret and compare their results 
in a multidisciplinary way. The compatibility of multiple analyses 
allows the gaining of more information about the cause of death of 
stranded marine mammals and to enhance the knowledge of their biology 
and ecology.



The publication 

Corazzola, G.; Baini, M.; Grattarola, C.; Panti, C.; Marcer, F.; 
Garibaldi, F.; Berio, E.; Mancusi, C.; Galli, M.; Mazzariol, S.; Fossi, 
M.C.; Centelleghe, C.; Casalone, C. Analysis of the Gastro-Intestinal 
Tract of Marine Mammals: A Multidisciplinary Approach with a New 
Multi-Sieves Tool. Animals 2021, 11, 1824. 
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061824




can be found and downloaded at the following link 
(https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/6/1824)




Best


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] Florida, USA Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Marine Mammal Biological Scientist position posting

[Boyd, Denise]

[Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission]
(Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web 
page.)
OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - FWC - 77907293
Date: Jun 18, 2021
Location: PORT CHARLOTTE, FL, US, 33954

Apply Now: 
https://jobs.myflorida.com/

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click 
on our E-Verify 
website.

Requisition No: 402401
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - FWC - 77907293
Position Number: 77907293
Salary:  $14.00/hr.
Posting Closing Date: 07/05/2021

Open Competitive Opportunity
This is an OPS (Other Personal Service) position. It is considered a full-time 
position, working 40 hrs./week.  Occasional overtime hours may occur. Hours 
worked over 40 per week, Friday to Thursday, are considered overtime and are 
paid @ 1.5 times the regular wage. This position, located in Port Charlotte 
participates in Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Marine 
Mammal Research program in a ten-county area along the southwest Florida coast.
Duties include:  fielding calls from FWC Law Enforcement, other agencies, and 
the general public regarding marine mammals, particularly manatees and 
cetaceans; verification of mortalities and distressed manatees and cetaceans, 
potentially in need of rescue; recovery and field workup/examination of 
carcasses, with some transportation of those carcasses to the Marine Mammal 
Pathobiology Laboratory (in St. Petersburg) or to the Southwest Field Lab for 
necropsy; participation in rescues and transportation of sick and injured 
manatees and cetaceans to appropriate facility; performing and assisting with 
field necropsies when appropriate; vehicle, trailer and boat maintenance; 
photographing and sketching manatees at winter refugia and known warm weather 
habitat areas on the southwest coast; entering and/or mapping data such as 
carcasses using software such as ArcGIS, Excel, Access and Word; completing 
paperwork including time sheets, manatee carcass and rescue reports, and 
technical reports; participate in manatee aerial surveys and tracking projects, 
assisting with manatee outreach programs such as presentations for local groups 
and agencies as time permits and with supervisor approval; general cleaning of 
office and equipment, attend trainings, seminars and meetings, and other tasks 
assigned by supervisor.
Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or 
university with a major in one of the biological sciences.
**Preference may be given to individuals who have live and dead marine mammal 
stranding/necropsy experience.  Experience with dissection, pathology, and/or 
animal necropsies is preferred.  Experience with live marine mammal stranding 
responses is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  *   Knowledge of the Florida Manatee Recovery Plan and state and federal 
legislation protecting manatees
  *   Knowledge of methods of data collection and principles and techniques of 
research and analysis
  *   Knowledge of marine mammal anatomy and necropsy techniques
  *   Knowledge of digital SLR cameras, filters, and lenses
  *   Knowledge of marine mammal capture, handling, and transport techniques
  *   Able to trailer flatbeds/utility trailers and watercraft vessels
  *   Able to safely operate watercraft vessels 26' in length and smaller
  *   Be capable of daily manual labor requiring handling of heavy and sharp 
objects and working under unpleasant conditions
  *   Must be physically fit, able to vertically lift at least 75 lbs., and be 
able to swim sufficiently to save oneself
  *   Able to conduct fieldwork in all weather conditions
  *   Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships
  *   Be comfortable speaking to the public

[MARMAM] New Publication: Lifetime stability of social traits in bottlenose dolphins

[Taylor Evans]

Dear colleagues,

On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce our new article in
Communications Biology:

Evans, T., Krzyszczyk, E., Frère, C., & Mann, J. (2021). Lifetime stability
of social traits in bottlenose dolphins. *Communications Biology*, *4*(1),
759. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-021-02292-x

Abstract:
Behavioral phenotypic traits or “animal personalities” drive critical
evolutionary processes such as fitness, disease and information spread. Yet
the *stabilit*y of behavioral traits, essential by definition, has rarely
been measured over developmentally significant periods of time, limiting
our understanding of how behavioral stability interacts with ontogeny.
Based on 32 years of social behavioral data for 179 wild bottlenose
dolphins, we show that social traits (associate number, time alone and in
large groups) are stable from infancy to late adulthood. Multivariate
analysis revealed strong relationships between these stable metrics within
individuals, suggesting a complex behavioral syndrome comparable to human
extraversion. Maternal effects (particularly vertical social learning) and
sex-specific reproductive strategies are likely proximate and ultimate
drivers for these patterns. We provide rare empirical evidence to
demonstrate the persistence of social behavioral traits over decades in a
non-human animal.

The full article is freely available at:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-021-02292-x

Regards,

Taylor Evans

-- 
*Taylor C. Evans **(**she/hers)*
PhD Candidate, Biology
Georgetown University
916 412 4080
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[MARMAM] New publication on anthropogenic noise in the Arctic

[Mads Peter Heide-Jørgensen]

With the receding sea ice pristine areas of the Arctic opens up for resource 
exploitation. This imposes new and unprecedented threats to marine mammals. 
Here we present the first of eight papers about the effects of ship traffic and 
seismic on narwhals:

Heide-Jørgensen, M.P., S.B. Blackwell, O.M. Tervo, A.L. Samson, A.S. Conrad, E. 
Garde, R.G. Hansen, M.C.Ngô, A.S. Conrad, P. Trinhammer, H.C. Schmidt, M.-H. S. 
Sinding, T.M. Williams, S. Ditlevsen, 2021. Behavioral response study on 
seismic airgun and vessel exposures in narwhals. Frontiers in Marine Science. 
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.658173

The publication is open access and can be found here: 
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.658173/full


ABSTRACT

One of the last pristine marine soundscapes, the Arctic, is exposed to 
increasing anthropogenic activities due to climate-induced decrease in sea ice 
coverage. In this study, we combined movement and behavioral data from 
animal-borne tags in a controlled sound exposure study to describe the 
reactions of narwhals, Monodon monoceros, to airgun pulses and ship noise. 
Sixteen narwhals were live captured and instrumented with satellite tags and 
Acousonde acoustic-behavioral recorders, and 11 of them were exposed to airgun 
pulses and vessel sounds. The sound exposure levels (SELs) of pulses from a 
small airgun (3.4 L) used in 2017 and a larger one (17.0 L) used in 2018 were 
measured using drifting recorders. The experiment was divided into trials with 
airgun and ship-noise exposure, intertrials with only ship-noise, and pre- and 
postexposure periods. Both trials and intertrials lasted ∼4 h on average per 
individual. Depending on the location of the whales, the number of separate 
exposures ranged between one and eight trials or intertrials. Received pulse 
SELs dropped below 130 dB re 1 μPa2s by 2.5 km for the small airgun and 4–9 km 
for the larger airgun, and background noise levels were reached at distances of 
∼3 and 8–10.5 km, respectively, for the small and big airguns. Avoidance 
reactions of the whales could be detected at distances >5 km in 2017 and >11 km 
in 2018 when in line of sight of the seismic vessel. Meanwhile, a ∼30% increase 
in horizontal travel speed could be detected up to 2 h before the seismic 
vessel was in line of sight. Applying line of sight as the criterion for 
exposure thus excludes some potential pre-response effects, and our estimates 
of effects must therefore be considered conservative. The whales reacted by 
changing their swimming speed and direction at distances between 5 and 24 km 
depending on topographical surroundings where the exposure occurred. The 
propensity of the whales to move towards the shore increased with increasing 
exposure (i.e., shorter distance to vessels) and was highest with the large 
airgun used in 2018, where the whales moved towards the shore at distances of 
10–15 km. No long-term effects of the response study could be detected.



Mads Peter Heide-Jørgensen

Professor, Dr. Scient.



Pinngortitaleriffik

Greenland Institute of Natural Resources
Strandgade 91, 2.sal
DK-1401 København K, Danmark
Phone: +45 3283 3827  •  Cell phone: +45 4025 7943
Email: m...@ghsdk.dk

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[MARMAM] Senior Analyst ESA/MMPA Support Services Position

[BRUCE Morehead]

Senior Analyst: ESA/MMPA SUPPORT SERVICES

Ocean Associates, Inc. (OAI) is seeking a candidate to support the NOAA 
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Protected Resources (OPR) 
development and implementation of measures to reduce threats to right whales, 
and to assist OPR in other marine mammal management activities as required by 
the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA).  OAI 
conducts research, offers policy advice, and provides personnel support 
services to government and industry clients for marine fisheries and protected 
species. 

DUTIES:

* Lead the development of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents 
(e.g., Environmental Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact) related to 
marine mammal management measures for large whales, as needed.
* Provide OPR general support by leading efforts to meet additional 
requirements of developing measures to reduce threats to large whales (with a 
focus on North Atlantic right whales) including, but not limited to, work 
related to the Paperwork Reduction Act, Executive Orders, the Coastal Zone 
Management Act, and the ESA (Section 7).
* Work with OPR staff and others to develop outreach and enforcement strategies 
and associated materials as it relates to reducing threats to large whales 
(with a focus on right whales) including but not limited to handouts, website 
materials, visualizations, maps, videos, etc.
* Support various working groups coordinated by the agency that address large 
whale conservation threats (with a focus on working groups dedicated to North 
Atlantic right whales).
* Provide OPR support for MMPA and ESA related activities to conserve and 
protect marine mammals, including: developing protocols, guidelines, policies, 
and briefing material; responding to quick turn-around tasks, and media, 
public, and congressional inquiries; and coordinating management and research 
efforts.
Start Date: As soon as possible

Location: Silver Spring MD

Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary 
commensurate with experience

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE

* Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 3 years of relevant experience or 
Master’s degree with one year of relevant experience.
* Experience implementing the MMPA, ESA, and/or NEPA.
* Experience with technical writing, particularly as it relates to Government 
documents.
* Strong knowledge of marine conservation issues, especially those relevant to 
marine mammals.
* Strong coordination and communication skills.
DESIRED SKILLS

* Extensive knowledge of MMPA, ESA, and NEPA.
* Extensive knowledge of marine conservation issues, especially those relevant 
to large whales
* Familiarity with the Paperwork Reduction Act, applicable Executive Orders, 
and the Coastal Zone Management Act.
* Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems, cartography, and graphic arts


If you are interested in being considered for this position, please to:
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=9a93435d-91d4-4a65-8a21-2de9187df1dd=19000101_01=406980=CC2=en_US
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[MARMAM] New paper: Natal origin of N. Pacific gray whale seen in the South East Atlantic

[Simon Elwen]

Dear colleagues,

The Namibian Dolphin Project had the privilege of seeing a Pacific gray
whale off the coast of Namibia (SE Atlantic) in 2013,  at which point we
managed to collect a biopsy from it. It took a  while to get it processed
it but happily Rus Hoelzel and Fatih Sarigol  at Durham University in the
UK managed to do this using genomic methods - revealing that the animal's
most likely source population was the endangered Western Gray Whale
population, known to feed off Sakhalin Island, Russia...making this the
longest known movement of any mammal.

The paper is available on our all author's researchgate profiles:

 Hoezel AR, F Sarigol, T Gridley, SH Elwen. (*2021*).  Natal origin of
Namibian gray whale reveals new distance record for in-water migration. Biol.
Lett. 17: 20210136.  https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2021.0136


and if reading genetic methods isn't your thing - we made a YouTube Video
abstract of the paper as well available here:  https://youtu.be/aKXZbqaXPiU


Many thanks :)

Simon Elwen




--  --  --  --  --  --  --  -- --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --
 --  --  --  --  -- --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --
 --  --  --
Simon Elwen Ph.D. - Director Sea Search Research & Conservation
 and the Namibian Dolphin Project

Research Associate: Department of Zoology and Botany - Stellenbosch
University



Virus-free.
www.avast.com

<#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
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[MARMAM] Mote Marine Laboratory, Manatee Research Program Internship

[Christina Nau]


Mote Marine Laboratory

Manatee Research Program Internships

Program Description

The Manatee Research Program studies several aspects of the biology of manatees 
inhabiting the waters of southwestern Florida, including population dynamics, 
population genetics, habitat use, distributional patterns and social behavior. 
Field data and samples are collected using photo-identification, aerial 
surveys, and non-invasive genetic sampling. From spring through early fall, 
photo-identification, genetic, and behavioral sampling are conducted primarily 
in Sarasota and Manatee counties.  During the winter, field work is conducted 
primarily in Charlotte Harbor and the Ft. Myers area.  Aerial surveys are 
conducted twice per month (during the non-winter) in Sarasota County to assess 
relative abundance and distribution of manatees in those waters.  The long-term 
database of the program contributes to management and conservation measurements 
for Florida manatees. Additionally, the program collaborates with manatee 
researchers throughout the state of Florida and the Caribbean.  For more 
information about, please visit: 
https://mote.org/research/program/manatee-research.

WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING INTERNS TO BEGIN IN August or September 2021, WITH 
APPLICATIONS DUE BY July 12th 2021.


Internship Description

Internships are available during all four seasons and must be a MINIMUM of 12 
weeks.  Hours are typically Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, although some longer days 
may be required for field work (especially during the winter season).

Interns should expect to spend about 20% of their time in the field and about 
80% of their time in the office/lab.  Field work duties include assisting with 
data collection, boat handling, and equipment use and maintenance.  Field work 
requires spending long hours in the field, sometimes in uncomfortable weather 
conditions.  Office/Lab duties include data entry, processing, matching images 
to known animals, equipment maintenance, and miscellaneous tasks and errands.

There is no financial compensation for these internship positions, and 
successful applicants will be responsible for their own living and 
transportation expenses. Shared housing opportunities near Mote Marine 
Laboratory may be available. A few scholarships may be available from Mote 
Marine Laboratory through a competitive application process (US citizens only).

Required Qualifications

Minimum of 18 years of age and engaged in or recently completed undergraduate 
studies
A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology, or a 
related field is preferred
Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Access); 
previous experience using ArcMap GIS is a plus but not required
Excellent communication skills; fluent in English
Must be physically able to stand for long periods of time and lift heavy objects
Knowledge of photography/SLR camera use and/or drawing skills are a plus
Desire and willingness to acquire knowledge and skills related to marine mammal 
field work and capable of working well as a team
To apply for a Manatee Research Program internship:

Fill out an application form at Mote Marine Laboratory’s website 
(https://mote.org/research/internships/college-internship-program-overview) and 
be sure to select “Manatee Research Program” as your first choice
Complete and provide to Mote’s intern office all other application materials 
including: a statement of interest, current college transcript, letter of 
recommendation, and curriculum vitae (incomplete applications will not be 
considered)
Applicants may contact the Manatee Research Program’s intern coordinator, 
Christina Nau, (c...@mote.org) with questions regarding the internship.



-- 
Christina Nau
Manatee Research Program
Mote Marine Laboratory
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota FL 34236
Phone: (941) 388-4441 ext. 471
c...@mote.org
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