[MARMAM] Manatee Observers Needed!

[Erin McMichael]

REMSA Inc's Marine Endangered Species Observer (MESO) Program is seeking 
skilled and experienced Protected Species Observers (ESOs/PSOs) with previous 
manatee monitoring experience for several dredging and construction projects 
throughout Florida. Positions available asap and throughout project duration. 
Project duration ranges from 4 months up to 2 years, depending on location.  
These are Independent Contract positions and Observer invoices are submitted 
and processed on a bi-weekly basis. Land-based housing is provided near the 
site.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Protected Species (Manatee) Observers will conduct protected species 
observations and mitigation measures during a marine construction projects.  
PSOs will be required to perform duties in adverse/inclement weather and during 
daylight and nightime shifts 12 hours in duration. Must be able to work 
independently and follow technical instructions as required.

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:
- Identification of marine animals to species
- Maintain watch for marine mammals, specifically manatees, in all mitigation 
zones
- Record sightings of marine species, keep organized and up-to-date logs, 
complete daily summary reports
- Coordinate temporary project shut-downs when manatees are present in project 
zones
- Ability to work outside during any weather conditions for long periods of time
- Ability to effectively communicate with team members and construction 
personnel
- Report interactions with endangered/threatened species to REMSA, Inc. 
personnel, construction company, and various government agencies as instructed

REQUIREMENTS:

Must have prior experience monitoring for manatee interactions during 
construction projects
Must be a U.S. Citizen or have authorization to work in the U.S. without 
sponsorship or restrictions
Must have (or be eligible to obtain) Endangered/Protected Species approval from 
the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
Must have prior marine mammal and sea turtle observation experience
Must have a valid Driver's License & Clean Driving Record
Must have or be able to obtain a Federal Transportation Identification Workers 
Card (TWIC)
Must have Bachelors Degree in Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology, or related field
Knowledge of Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act
Must be able to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team

BENEFITS & SALARY:
These are Independent Contractor positions, daily rates depend on experience
Housing and daily food allowance provided in addition to daily rate
Observers are paid bi-weekly

Application Instructions:
Interested applicants should send the following application materials:

- Detailed resume documenting all relevant experience, education, and skills
- Copies of NMFS approval/certifications, MMO training certificates
- Cover letter outlining why you would be a good fit for this position

Submit all materials as attachments: PDF files or MS Word files via email to:

Erin McMichael
Coastal & Marine Division
emcmich...@remsainc.com

REMSA Inc. Supports a Drug Free Work Place
EOE of Minorities/Females/Vets/Disability





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[MARMAM] New publication on the genetics of Icelandic killer whales: Killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Iceland show weak genetic structure among diverse isotopic signatures and observed movement pattern

[Sara Tavares]

Dear colleagues,



My co-authors and I are pleased to announce that the following paper has
been published online:

*Killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Iceland show weak genetic structure among
diverse isotopic signatures and observed movement patterns*

Sara B. Tavares; Filipa I.P. Samarra; Sonia Pascoal; Jeff A. Graves;
Patrick J.O. Miller
Ecology and Evolution
Article DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4646



Abstract

Local adaption through ecological niche specialization can lead to genetic
structure between and within populations. In the Northeast Pacific, killer
whales (*Orcinus orca*) of the same population have uniform specialized
diets that are non‐overlapping with other sympatric, genetically divergent,
and socially isolated killer whale ecotypes. However, killer whales in
Iceland show intrapopulation variation of isotopic niches and observed
movement patterns: some individuals appear to specialize on herring and
follow it year‐round while others feed upon herring only seasonally or
opportunistically. We investigated genetic differentiation among Icelandic
killer whales with different isotopic signatures and observed movement
patterns. This information is key for management and conservation purposes
but also for better understanding how niche specialization drives genetic
differentiation. Photo‐identified individuals (*N* = 61) were genotyped for
22 microsatellites and a 611 bp portion of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
control region. Photo‐identification of individuals allowed linkage of
genetic data to existing data on individual isotopic niche, observed
movement patterns, and social associations. Population subdivision into
three genetic units was supported by a discriminant analysis of principal
components (DAPC). Genetic clustering corresponded to the distribution of
isotopic signatures, mtDNA haplotypes, and observed movement patterns, but
genetic units were not socially segregated. Genetic differentiation was
weak (*F*ST < 0.1), suggesting ongoing gene flow or recent separation of
the genetic units. Our results show that killer whales in Iceland are not
as genetically differentiated, ecologically discrete, or socially isolated
as the Northeast Pacific prey‐specialized killer whales. If any process of
ecological divergence and niche specialization is taking place among killer
whales in Iceland, it is likely at a very early stage and has not led to
the patterns observed in the Northeast Pacific.



Available online at: https://rdcu.be/bbstM



Best regards,



Sara Tavares, PhD



NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow

Cetacean Research Program
Pacific Biological Station
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
3190 Hammond Bay Rd

Nanaimo, BC V9T 6N7

Email: saratavare...@gmail.com
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[MARMAM] Deadline Approaching - Postdoctoral researcher

[Emily Guarino]

*December 1st Deadline Approaching*

Dolphin Research Center (DRC) invites applications for a postdoctoral
researcher to join our research group studying dolphin behavior, cognition,
and welfare. DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility, home
to a family of dolphins and sea lions, located in the Florida Keys.

The successful candidate should hold a PhD in comparative psychology,
zoology, animal behavior, animal welfare, or a related field. The specific
area of specialization is open to negotiation. This postdoctoral position
will be responsible for analyzing and publishing studies using existing
long-term data sets, and will also have the opportunity to design and
conduct novel observational research projects in their area of interest.
The topic of the long-term data will be discussed, but might include animal
personality, lateralization, husbandry, and/or social behaviors.

Our ideal candidate will have:

   -

   a proven track record of peer-reviewed publications
   -

   the ability to communicate scientific concepts and arguments clearly and
   compellingly, both orally and in writing
   -

   an excellent understanding of study design and statistics
   -

   the ability to work well both independently and as part of a team


The position is for one year initially, with a possibility of renewal
contingent on performance and mutual satisfaction.

Starting date is flexible between June - October, 2019.

To apply, please submit the following to resea...@dolphins.org, with the
subject line “Postdoc application”:

   -

   a cover letter describing your motivation, research interests,
   experience, and goals
   -

   your CV
   -

   pdfs of up to 2 of your key publications or submitted manuscripts
   -

   contact information for 2 academic references


Complete applications are due by December 1, 2018.

For further information, please contact Dr. Kelly Jaakkola at
ke...@dolphins.org.
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[MARMAM] New publication on indicators of dolphin watching tourism

[Coralie D'Lima]

Dear MARMAM subscribers,

We are pleased to announce our new publication: D'Lima, C., Everingham, Y.,
Diedrich, A., Mustika, P.L., Hamann, M., Marsh, H. (2018) Using multiple
indicators to evaluate the sustainability of dolphin-based wildlife tourism
in rural India. *Journal of Sustainable Tourism*, DOI:
10.1080/09669582.2018.1503671



Link: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09669582.2018.1503671

Abstract:

Assessing wildlife tourism sustainability in developing countries is
crucial, but few studies analyse the sustainability of dolphin-based
wildlife tourism in this context. We measure multiple indicators within the
human dimensions of wildlife tourism, including tourist visitation numbers,
satisfaction, preferences, perceptions, background and specialisation, to
ascertain the extent to which the dolphin-watching industry at Chilika
Lagoon, in rural India might be considered sustainable. Our methods
included participant observation, tourist surveys, and the use of secondary
data on visitation over 10 years. We found that the growth rate of tourist
visitation over 10 years was beginning to decline. Tourists were mostly
inexperienced, and dissatisfied with their dolphin-watching experience.
Tourist preferences and perceptions showed useful insights and shortcomings
in the way in which the industry was being conducted and managed, and
reflected the expectations of non-specialist visitors. Our study highlights
drawbacks in the way that wildlife tourism is managed in a rural,
developing world context, which draws the sustainability of the
dolphin-watching industry in Chilika into question. Future development of
an early warning system that addresses combined governance or managerial,
social, economic and ecological indicators, and an integrated management
plan for conservation and wildlife tourism could contribute to the
sustainable management of such industries.

Please contact coralie.dl...@gmail.com for the full text.

Warm regards,
Coralie D’Lima
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[MARMAM] Aquatic Mammals Special Issue (44.6) - Festschrift in Honor of Bernd Würsig - available online

[Kathleen M. Dudzinski]

Dear MARMAM and ECS Talk subscribers,
 
Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to 
cross-posting.
 
The following titles represent the contents of the most recent issue (Volume 
44, issue 6, 2018) of Aquatic Mammals. 
 
This is a special issue - A Festschrift in Honor of Bernd Würsig - and is the 
largest issue in the journal’s history. 
Because of special funding received for this issue, all the articles are 
available as open access. I encourage you to check out the articles in this 
special issue.
 
For individuals with a print subscription, the double print copy of 44.5/44.6 
will be mailed in late November.
 
Aquatic Mammals is the longest running peer-reviewed journal dedicated to 
research on aquatic mammals and is published quarterly with manuscripts 
available as published PDFs in real time. 
Further information about the journal can be found at: 
http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/  
 
To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: 
http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php 

  
Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings.
With regards,
Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D.
Editor, Aquatic Mammals Journal
busin...@aquaticmammalsjournal.org 
aquaticmamm...@gmail.com 
 
Davis, R. W. (2018). Special Issue Preface. Aquatic Mammals, 44(6), 587-590. 
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.6.2018.587 

Thewissen J. G. M. (2018). Highlights of Cetacean Embryology. Aquatic Mammals, 
44(6), 591-602. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.6.2018.591 

Weir, J. S., Fiori, L., Orbach, D. N.,  Piwetz, S., Protheroe, C., & Würsig, B. 
(2018). Dusky Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) Mother–Calf Pairs: An Aerial 
Perspective. Aquatic Mammals, 44(6), 603-607. DOI: 
https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.6.2018.603 

Orbach, D. N., Pearson, H. C., Beier-Engelhaupt, A., Deutsch, S., Srinivasan, 
M., Weir, J. S., Yin, S., & Würsig, B. (2018). Long-Term Assessment of 
Spatio-Temporal Association Patterns of Dusky Dolphins (Lagenorhynchus 
obscurus) off Kaikoura, New Zealand. Aquatic Mammals, 44(6), 608-619. DOI: 
https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.6.2018.608 

Keener, W., Webber, M. A., Szczepaniak, I. D., Markowitz, T. M., & Orbach, D. 
N. (2018). The Sex Life of Harbor Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena): Lateralized 
and Aerial Behavior. Aquatic Mammals, 44(6), 620-632. DOI: 
https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.6.2018.620 

Bräger, S., & Bräger, Z. (2018). Range Utilization and Movement Patterns of 
Coastal Hector’s Dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori). Aquatic Mammals, 44(6), 
633-642. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.6.2018.633 

Weller, D. W., Bradford, A. L., Lang, A. R., Burdin, A. M., & Brownell, Jr., R. 
L. (2018). Prevalence of Killer Whale Tooth Rake Marks on Gray Whales off 
Sakhalin Island, Russia. Aquatic Mammals, 44(6), 643-652. DOI: 
https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.6.2018.643 

Smultea, M. A., Lomac-MacNair, K., Nations, C. S., McDonald, T., & Bernd 
Würsig, B. (2018). Behavior of Risso’s Dolphins (Grampus griseus) in the 
Southern California Bight: An Aerial Perspective. Aquatic Mammals, 44(6), 
653-667. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.6.2018.653 

Balance, L. T. (2018). Contributions of Photographs to Cetacean Science. 
Aquatic Mammals, 44(6), 668-682. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.6.2018.668 

Piwetz, S., Gailey, G.,  Munger, L., Lammers, M. O., Jefferson, T. A., & 
Würsig, B. (2018). Theodolite Tracking in Marine Mammal Research: From Roger 
Payne to the Present. Aquatic Mammals, 44(6), 683-693. DOI: 
https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.6.2018.683 

Moreno, P., & Mathews, M. (2018). Identifying Foraging Hotspots of Bottlenose 
Dolphins in a Highly Dynamic System: A Method to Enhance Conservation in 
Estuaries. Aquatic Mammals, 44(6), 694-710. DOI: 
https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.6.2018.694 

Jefferson, T. A. (2018). Hong Kong’s Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins (Sousa 
chinensis): Assessing Past and Future Anthropogenic Impacts and Working Toward 
Sustainability. Aquatic Mammals, 44(6), 711-728. DOI: 
https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.6.2018.711 

Munger, L., Piwetz, S., Lammers, M. O., & Würsig, B. (2018). Passive Acoustic 
Monitoring and Concurrent Theodolite Observations of Indo-Pacific Humpback 
Dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in Hong Kong: A Case Study. Aquatic Mammals, 44(6), 
729-735. DOI: 

[MARMAM] FY20 SERDP Solicitation - Released

[Weise, Michael J CIV ONRA, 322]

MARMAM
I am pleased to announce that the following Statement of Need (SON) has been 
released by the Department of Defense’s Strategic Environmental Research and 
Development Program (SERDP) addressing some of the recommendations from the 
2016 National Academies Report on  'Approaches to Understanding the Cumulative 
Effects of Stressors on Marine Mammals'.  The SERDP program is seeking 
environmental research and development proposals for funding beginning in 
Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. Projects will be selected through a competitive process. 
All Core pre-proposals are due January 8, 2019 by 2:00 p.m. ET. Details on this 
SON can be found at:

https://www.serdp-estcp.org/Funding-Opportunities/SERDP-Solicitations/Core-SONs/Improved-Understanding-of-Response-of-DoD-Relevant-Marine-Mammal-Populations-to-Multiple-Stressors

Details on the general solicitation are available on the SERDP website under 
Funding Opportunities:  
https://www.serdp-estcp.org/Funding-Opportunities/SERDP-Solicitations. 

As with previous SERDP/ESTCP marine mammal related calls, under this research 
initiative, the SERDP and Office of Naval Research, Marine Mammal & Biology 
Program will coordinate closely with the selected research efforts to advance 
understanding of the cumulative effects of exposure to multiple stressors in 
marine mammals within the Department of Defense.

Please circulate to all interested parties.

Best Regards - Mike

Dr. Michael J. Weise
Program Manager - Marine Mammals & Biology Program  
Office of Naval Research - Code 32 
875 N. Randolph St.
Arlington, VA 22203-1995
703.696.4533 office
703.696.2007 fax
michael.j.we...@navy.mil
http://www.onr.navy.mil/en/Science-Technology/Departments/Code-32/All-Programs/Atmosphere-Research-322/Marine-Mammals-Biology.aspx



=
FY 2020 SERDP Solicitations Released October 25, 2018  
=

The Department of Defense’s Strategic Environmental Research and Development 
Program (SERDP) is seeking environmental research and development proposals for 
funding beginning in Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. Projects will be selected through a 
competitive process.

Details are available on the SERDP website under Funding Opportunities:  
https://www.serdp-estcp.org/Funding-Opportunities/SERDP-Solicitations

The Core Solicitation provides funding opportunities for basic and applied 
research and advanced technology development. Core projects vary in cost and 
duration consistent with the scope of the work proposed. The Statements of Need 
(SON) referenced by this solicitation request proposals related to the SERDP 
program areas of Environmental Restoration (ER), Munitions Response (MR), 
Resource Conservation and Resiliency (RC), and Weapons Systems and Platforms 
(WP). All Core pre-proposals are due January 8, 2019 by 2:00 p.m. ET.

The SERDP Exploratory Development (SEED) Solicitation provides funding 
opportunities for work that will investigate innovative environmental 
approaches that entail high technical risk or require supporting data to 
provide proof of concept. Funding is limited to not more than $200,000 and 
projects are approximately one year in duration. This year, SERDP is requesting 
SEED proposals for the Munitions Response (MR) and Weapons Systems and 
Platforms (WP) program areas. SEED proposals are due March 5, 2019 by 2:00 p.m. 
ET.

=
LEARN MORE ABOUT SERDP FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES!
=

Webinar for the SERDP Solicitations: SERDP Executive Director Dr. Herb Nelson 
and Deputy Director Dr. Andrea Leeson will conduct an online seminar “SERDP 
Funding Opportunities” on November 13, 2018, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. ET. This 
briefing will offer valuable information for those interested in new SERDP 
funding opportunities. During the online seminar, participants may ask 
questions about the funding process, the current SERDP solicitations, and the 
proposal submission process. The second part of the webinar will provide an 
overview of the 2018 SERDP and ESTCP Chlorinated Solvents Workshop, with a 
particular focus on the resulting FY 2020 SERDP Statements of Need.

Pre-registration for this webinar is required. If you have difficulty 
registering, please contact the SERDP Support Office at 
serdp-estcp.webin...@noblis.org or by telephone at 571-372-6565.

You can pre-register now at:  
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DiEmPizlQuOLyOL0Sd2xSw


Manage Your Subscription:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.php?r=2572729=2302=9E1W=112419=1621436
This message was sent to michael.j.we...@navy.mil from no-re...@serdp-estcp.org

SERDP & ESTCP
ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
4800 Mark Center Drive, Suite 16F16
Alexandria, VA 22350-3605



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[MARMAM] New publication: A description of echolocation clicks recorded in the presence of True's beaked whale (Mesoplodon mirus)

[Annamaria Izzi]

 Dear MARMAM,

On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of our
article in *The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America*:

A description of echolocation clicks recorded in the presence of True's
beaked whale (*Mesoplodon mirus*)

Annamaria Izzi DeAngelis, Joy E. Stanistreet, Simone Baumann-Pickering, and
Danielle M. Cholewiak

Abstract

True’s beaked whales (*Mesoplodon mirus*) were encountered on two separate
shipboard surveys on 24 July 2016 and 16 September 2017 in the western
North Atlantic Ocean. Recordings were made using a hydrophone array towed
300 m behind the ship. In 2016, three different groups were sighted within
1500 m of the ship; clicks were recorded for 26 min. In 2017, a single
group of five whales was tracked over the course of five hours in which the
ship maintained a distance <4000 m from the group. A total of 2938
frequency-modulated (FM) clicks and 7 buzzes were recorded from both
encounters. Plausible inter-click-intervals (ICIs) were calculated from
2763 clicks, and frequency and duration measurements were calculated from
2150 good quality FM clicks. The median peak frequencies were 43.1 kHz
(2016, n= 718) and 43.5 kHz (2017, n= 1432). Median ICIs were 0.17 s (2016)
and 0.19 s (2017). The spectra and measurements of the recorded clicks
closely resemble Gervais’ beaked whale clicks (*Mesoplodon europaeus*) and
distinguishing between the two species in acoustic data sets proves
difficult. The acoustic behavior of True’s beaked whales was previously
unknown; this study provides a description of echolocation clicks produced
by this species.

For the full article, please visit https://doi.org/10.1121/1.5067379

To request a PDF copy, please email annamaria.deange...@noaa.gov.

Cheers,

Annamaria

Annamaria DeAngelis
*Research Analyst*
Passive Acoustics Research Group | Northeast Fisheries Science Center
166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543
annamaria.deange...@noaa.gov
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[MARMAM] New paper on the sound generating structures of Sousa plumbea and the directionality in dolphin sounds

[Guilherme Frainer]

Hello there,

We are happy to share our recent publication in The Anatomical Record:

Frainer, G. , Plön, S. , Serpa, N. B., Moreno, I. B. and Huggenberger, S.
(2018), Sound Generating Structures of the Humpback Dolphin *Sousa
plumbea* (Cuvier,
1829) and the Directionality in Dolphin Sounds. Anat. Rec.. . doi:
10.1002/ar.23981 

You can get full access here: https://rdcu.be/bbi8p


Abstract:
The macroscopic morphology of structures involved in sound generation in
the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (*Sousa plumbea*) were described for the
first time using computed tomography imaging and standard gross dissection
techniques. The Indian Ocean humpback dolphin may represent a useful
comparative model to the bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops* sp.) to provide
insights into the functional anatomy of the sound production in dolphins,
since these coastal dolphins exhibit similar body size and share
similarities on acoustic behavior. The general arrangement of sound
generating structures, that is, air sacs and muscles, was similar in both
the bottlenose dolphin and the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin. The main
difference between the two species existed in a small left posterior branch
of the melon in the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin*,* which was not found in
the bottlenose dolphin and might reflect an adaptation of directionality
for high frequency communication sounds as seen in some other delphinids
(e.g., *Lagenorhynchus* sp., *Grampus griseus*). Thus, this may be the main
reason for the asymmetry of the sound production structures in dolphins.
Additionally, the longer rostrum in Indian Ocean humpback dolphins might
suggest a more directional echolocation beam compared to the Lahille's
bottlenose dolphin. Anat Rec, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

*Guilherme Frainer *

Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal (PPGBAN/UFRGS). Departamento
De Zoologia. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul.

Centro de Estudos Costeiros, Limnológicos e Marinhos (CECLIMAR/UFRGS).
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul.



Livre
de vírus. www.avg.com
.
<#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
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[MARMAM] New publication: Occurrence, abundance, range and residence patterns of Tursiops truncatus on the coast of Aragua, Venezuela.

[Sergio Cobarrubia]

Topic: New publication: Occurrence, abundance, range and residence patterns
of *Tursiops truncatus* on the coast of Aragua, Venezuela.

We are pleased to announce the publication of one paper on *Tursiops
truncatus* in Venezuela.

Cobarrubia-Russo, S., Barreto, G., Lizarraga-Molero, A., Quintero-Torres,
E, Wang, X. 2018. Occurrence, abundance, range and residence patterns
of *Tursiops
truncatus* on the coast of Aragua, Venezuela. Mammal Research. Accepted
28/09/2018  DOI: 10.1007/s13364-018-0401-1.

PDF's paper is available by writing to the corresponding author:
sergio.cobarru...@gmail.com.

Sergio Cobarrubia-Russo, Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Ecology Center,
Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research.

Abstract:
Throughout the distribution of the bottlenose dolphin *Tursiops truncatus*,
the occurrence, abundance, local distribution, and residential patterns are
highly variable according to the pressure of the habitat where sighting
occurs. In Venezuela, a study has been developed for the first time
describing these aspects for the western of Aragua State (central coast of
the country). From 2004 to 2008, 100 field surveys (30 km long) were
conducted; the daily encounter ratio ranged from 0.79 to 1.11
dolphins/survey (Permanova,P<0.01); the abundance was 18.70 (± 9.95)
dolphins/transect (relative abundance of 0.62 dolphins/km), registering an
increase since April 2007 by income of individuals (pseudo-t, P < 0.05).
The sightings covered 56.63 km2, 90%of study area. Eighty-six dolphins were
photo-identified (identification of new dolphins was constant). Residency
analysis was limited to September 2006–August 2007 (continuous sampling); 7
(20.59%) residents (part of a group of 12), 9 (26.47%) occasional visitors
("neighboring group" and "outsiders"), and 18 (52.94%) transients were
found. The study area is an open coast with shelter (bay) and prey that
houses a resident group (sighted throughout the study) that was
occasionally visited by a "neighbor" and occasional groups between October
and February, and by transients throughout the year. This resident group
inhabits the main bay and the coastal axis, and was associated (~ 75% of
sightings) with *Stenella frontalis* (sighted throughout the year).We point
out the importance of the area for both research and conservation due to
the presence of dolphins throughout the year.

Thank you.

-- 
*Sergio Enrique Cobarrubia Russo*
Laboratorio de Ecología Acuática
Centro de Ecología
Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas
Venezuela.
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[MARMAM] New publication: How vulnerable are cetaceans to climate change? Developing and testing a new index

[Andreia Gonçalves Sousa]

Dear colleagues,

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

Sousa, A., Alves, F., Dinis, A., Bentz, J., Cruz, M. J., & Nunes, J. P.
(2019). How vulnerable are cetaceans to climate change? Developing and
testing a new index. Ecological Indicators, 98, 9-18.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2018.10.046.

Abstract
Climate change is altering chemical, physical and biological processes in
the marine environment. Observed impacts driven by climate have been
recorded and include changes in the geographical distribution, timing of
seasonal migrations, breeding biology and behaviour of species. A number of
qualitative and quantitative methodologies have been developed over the
years to assess the vulnerability of animals to climate change. However,
for marine species, the development and application of indices is recent,
especially for large vertebrates such as marine mammals. In this context,
the present study develops a trait-based climate change vulnerability index
and applies it to seven cetacean species in the Madeira archipelago
(Northeast Atlantic). The development of the index included the selection
of sensitivity and exposure factors, the definition of each factor’s score
range, and the computation of results. It showed that the sperm whale
(*Physeter
macrocephalus*), the fin whale (*Balaenoptera physalus*), the Atlantic
population of bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) and the Bryde’s
whale (*Balaenoptera brydei*) were the most vulnerable species. The
short-beaked common dolphin (*Delphinus delphis*), the island-associated
bottlenose dolphins and the Atlantic spotted dolphin (*Stenella frontalis*)
showed the lowest vulnerability to climate change. The outputs are
consistent with previously proposed effects on whales and dolphins,
considering their ecological similarities and exposure to environmental
factors. This study shows that the developed index contributes to
prioritize vulnerable species to climate change and to identify knowledge
gaps in species ecological traits. The index results can contribute to
inform policy makers in the definition of measures for species conservation.

You can download the publication for free until Dec. 17:
https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1XzJc,XRNLZ2nP

Best regards,
Andreia Sousa



*Climate Change Impacts Adaptation and Modelling* *(CCIAM
)*
*Centre for Ecology Evolution and Environmental Changes*
*(CE3C )Associação para a Investigação e
Desenvolvimento de Ciências* *(FC.ID )*

Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Portugal Phone: +351 217 500
000, line 21403

Skype ID: andreiagsousa
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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] CALL FOR PAPERS_47th EAAM Annual Conference_Zoomarine Portugal

[ad]

Next EAAM - European Association for Aquatic Mammals - Annual Conference is
coming!

The Host Zoomarine Portugal and the President-elect of the Association
invite authors to submit abstracts for oral, poster and short talk
presentations for the upcoming 47th Annual Symposium, which is due to take
place in Albufeira, Algarve, 4th - 8th of March 2019.

The theme of the Conference will be 'From pioneers to Nature's guardians'
and all topics related to marine mammal science, husbandry innovation,
education, conservation, veterinary medicine, animal behaviour, cognitive
psychology, bioacoustics,  etc. are encourages.

Abstract Submission Deadline: 21th of December 2018 

 

For more information visit www.zoomarine.pt; www.eaam.org

 

 

 

 



Call for paper_EAAM 2019_ZMR PT.docx
Description: MS-Word 2007 document
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