[MARMAM] New publication: Sperm whale clans and human societies

[Hal Whitehead]

The following paper has just been published:

Whitehead, H., 2024. Sperm whale clans and human societies. Royal Society Open 
Science

It is open access and available at:

https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rsos.231353

Abstract:

Sperm whale society is structured into clans that are primarily distinguished 
by vocal dialects, which may be symbolic markers of clan identity. However, 
clans also differ in non-vocal behaviour. These distinctive behaviours, as well 
as clan membership itself, are learned socially, largely within matrilines. The 
clans can contain thousands of whales and span thousands of kilometres. Two or 
more clans typically use an area, but the whales only socialize with members of 
their own clan. In many respects the closest  arallel may be the 
ethno-linguistic groups of humans. Patterns and processes of human prehistory 
that may be instructive in studying sperm whale clans include: the extreme 
variability of human societies; no clear link between modes of resource 
acquisition and social structure; that patterns of vocalizations may not map 
well onto other behavioural distinctions; and that interacting societies may 
deliberately distinguish their behaviour (schismogenesis). Conversely, while 
the two species and their societies are very different, the existence of very 
large-scale social structures in both sperm whales and humans supports some 
primary drivers of the phenomenon that are common to both species (such as 
cognition, cooperation, culture and mobility) and contraindicates others (e.g. 
tool-making and syntactic language).


Hal Whitehead, Dalhousie University (hwhit...@dal.ca)
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[MARMAM] New publication: Long-term strategies for studying rare species

[Robin Baird]

Long-term strategies for studying rare species: results and lessons from a 
multi-species study of odontocetes around the main Hawaiian Islands

This paper describes both our approach to studying rare species and provides 
findings from a long-term study of pygmy killer whales in Hawai‘i, including 
results from genetic analyses (of both stranded animals and biopsied 
free-ranging individuals), satellite tagging (both success and failures, 
including removal of tags by conspecifics), and photo-identification (including 
long-term re-sightings, movements among islands, and social network analyses). 
It shows that resident groups off O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island share a common 
mitochondrial haplotype, and that mass strandings on Maui likely represent 
groups from an open-ocean population, among other things.

Citation: Baird, R.W., S.D. Mahaffy, B. Hancock-Hanser, T. Cullins, K.L. West, 
M.A. Kratofil, D.M. Barrios, A.E. Harnish, P.C. Johnson. 2024. Long-term 
strategies for studying rare species: results and lessons from a multi-species 
study of odontocetes around the main Hawaiian Islands. Pacific Conservation 
Biology https://doi.org/10.1071/PC23027

Abstracts are included in both English and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, below. For those who 
subscribe to Pacific Conservation Biology, the paper is available at 
https://www.publish.csiro.au/PC/PC23027 If you don’t subscribe and would like a 
pdf, let me know. Supplemental materials are available to all at 
https://www.publish.csiro.au/PC/acc/PC23027/PC23027_AC.pdf

Robin


Abstract
Context. Funding agencies are often unlikely to fund research on 
rarely-encountered species and limited time is usually spent with such species 
when they are not the focus of research. Thus, knowledge of these species often 
lags behind their encounter rates. Aims. To gain information on 
rarely-encountered odontocetes in Hawai‘i while simultaneously studying common 
ones. Methods. During a long-term small-boat based study, we prioritized time 
spent with rarely-encountered species, collecting photos and biopsy samples, 
and satellite tagging. Sample sizes were augmented with photo contributions 
from members of the public and other researchers, and genetic samples from 
stranded animals and other researchers. Results from genetic and tag data 
analyses were interpreted in the context of social network placement and 
re-sighting histories. Key results. Pygmy killer whales (Feresa attenuata) 
represented <2% of odontocete sightings, and sighting rates varied by depth and 
among islands. Photo-ID shows that 318 of 443 identified individuals are linked 
by association in the main component of the social network. Movements among 
islands were limited, with individuals off O‘ahu and Hawai‘i exhibiting high 
site fidelity, although resident groups from each island share a common 
mitochondrial haplotype. Three groups involved in mass strandings in two 
different years were not linked to the main component of the social network, 
and did not share mitochondrial haplotypes with known resident groups. 
Conclusions. The approach of prioritizing rarely-encountered species for 
additional sampling is an effective way of learning more about poorly-known 
species. Implications. Such an approach may be critical for filling data gaps 
for populations potentially at risk from human activities.

Ka Hōʻuluʻulu
Ka Pōʻaiapili. ʻAʻole paha e kākoʻo nā keʻena kālā i ka noiʻina i nā lāhulu e 
ʻike kākaʻikahi ʻia a ʻaʻole hoʻi nui nā hola e lilo ana i ka launa ʻana me ia 
mau lāhulu inā hoʻi ʻaʻole nō lākou ke kia o ka noiʻina. No laila, ʻoi loa aku 
ke emi o ka ʻike i ia mau lāhulu ma mua o ka nui o ka launa pū ʻana aku. Nā 
Pahuhopu. No ka loaʻa ʻana o ka ʻikepili o nā koholā niho ma Hawaiʻi ma ka wā 
hoʻokahi o ke kālailai ʻia ʻana o nā mea laha. Nā Kiʻina Hana. Ma ka noiʻi 
hikiāloa ma kekahi waʻapā, hoʻomakakoho mākou i nā hola e launa ana me nā 
lāhulu e ʻike kākaʻikahi ʻia, i ka ʻohi ʻana mai i nā kiʻi me nā hāpana ʻokina, 
a i ka hoʻolēpili ukali ʻana. Hoʻololi ʻia ka nui o nā hāpana i nā kiʻi i ʻohi 
ʻia mai ke kaiāulu a me nā kānaka noiʻi ʻē aʻe, a pēlā pū i nā hāpana ōewe o nā 
holoholona ili me nā kānaka noiʻi ʻē aʻe. Kālailai ʻia ka hopena o nā hāpana 
ōewe me nā wehewehena ʻikepili lepili i loko ka pōʻaiapili o ka hoʻonoho launa 
a me nā moʻokūʻauhau ʻike hou ʻana. Nā hua nui. Mai loko mai o nā ʻikena i nā 
koholā niho, ʻike ʻia nā koholā luku ʻiʻi (Feresa attenuata) he ʻuʻuku iho o ka 
ʻelua pākēneka, a kū ka pinepine o ka ʻike ʻia ʻana i ka hohonu a puni nā 
mokupuni. Hōʻike ʻia nā kiʻi, pili he 318 mai loko mai o ka 443 i ka ʻūmaupaʻa 
nui o ka hoʻonoho launa. ʻAʻole i nui ka holo ʻana i waena o nā mokupuni, 
hōʻike ʻia naʻe ke kū loa o nā mea ma kai aku o Oʻahu me Hawaiʻi i ka leo, like 
naʻe kekahi ōewe hoʻoilina i waena o nā pūʻulu noho o kēlā me kēia mokupuni. 
ʻAʻohe pilina o ʻekolu pūʻulu i pili i nā nuʻa ili o ʻelua makahiki ʻokoʻa i ka 
ʻūmaupaʻa nui o ka hoʻonoho launa, a ʻaʻole hoʻi i 

[MARMAM] New publication on interactions of bottlenose dolphins and Antillean manatee calves

[Eric Angel Ramos]

Greetings MARMAM,

I am pleased to announce the publication of our newest open access article
in PLOS One titled:
"Agonistic interactions initiated by adult bottlenose dolphins on Antillean
manatee calves in the Caribbean Sea"

Abstract
The dynamics and drivers of inter-species interactions in the wild are
poorly understood, particularly those involving social animal species.
Inter-species interactions between ceta- ceans and sirenians have rarely
been documented and investigated. Here, we report 10 cases of interaction
initiated by adult bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) towards Antil-
lean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus). Interactions were documented
through behavioral observations in the wild (n = 7) and from the
examination of orphaned calves (i.e., tooth rake marks on their body; n =
4) that entered a rehabilitation facility, one individual both observed
interacting with dolphins and found stranded with bite marks. Bottlenose
dol- phins were observed interacting with orphan manatee calves and with
mother-calf pairs, exhibiting agonistic behavior (n = 2), affiliative or
neutral behaviors (n = 1), but the behavioral contexts of these
interactions remain unclear in most cases (n = 7). Information on stranded
individuals was collected from four calves (of 13 examined calves)
recovered in poor condi- tion with bottlenose dolphin tooth rakes and bite
wounds on their bodies, one of which died. Injury from bite wounds varied
in extent and severity, ranging from superficial scratches leaving rake
marks to deep lacerations. Our findings suggest the regular occurrence of
ago- nistic behaviors initiated by adult bottlenose dolphins and directed
toward manatee calves. However, the drivers of these interactions remain
unknown and need to be further investigated.

The article can be downloaded free here:
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0295739

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at
eric.angel.ra...@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] Deadline extension for abstracts and workshops - 35th ECS Conference

[Marecamp]

Dear colleagues and friends,

We communicate that the deadline for abstracts' submission and workshops'
proposals to the *35th annual European Cetacean Society* *Conference* (10-12
April 2024, Catania, Italy) has been extended to this Wednesday, January
17th, 2024 (23:59 CET)!

Abstracts for oral presentations, short talks, and posters can be submitted
here
https://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/abstract-submission-3

For the workshop and video proposals you can follow the instructions on
this webpage
https://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/index.php/35th-annual-conference-catania-sicily-italy

Please find more information and updates on our websites and social media,
and remember that we are also looking for student volunteers!

www.europeancetaceansociety.eu

www.marecamp.com



*Facebook*

https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanCetaceanSociety/

*Instagram*

https://www.instagram.com/europeancetaceansociety/

*LinkedIn*

https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-cetacean-society-ecs/

*Twitter/X*

https://twitter.com/EuroCetSoc


Marecamp, the ECS Council, and the Scientific and Local Organizing
Committees can't wait to meet you in Catania!
Best wishes
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[MARMAM] Graduate Assistantship in Marine Mammal Physiology (M.S. in Biology or Marine Biology)

[Tift, Michael S.]

Graduate Assistantship in Marine Mammal Physiology (M.S. in Biology or Marine 
Biology)

Agency
University of North Carolina Wilmington – Department of Biology and Marine 
Biology
Location
Wilmington, North Carolina
Job Category
Graduate Assistantship
Salary
TBD – Competitive Graduate Teaching Assistantship
Start Date
08/19/2024
Last Date to Apply
05/15/2024 (Priority deadline = 2/15/2024: Applications will be accepted until 
position is filled)
Lab Website:
https://michaeltift.weebly.com/

Description
The UNCW Comparative Physiology Laboratory, headed by Dr. Michael Tift, is 
seeking a highly motivated, responsible, and independent individual that is 
interested in pursuing a research project focused on the comparative physiology 
in marine mammals. The student will be integrated in collaborative and 
interdisciplinary research projects investigating the role of red blood cell 
lifespan in endogenous carbon monoxide (CO) production in marine mammals. The 
student will be part of a large laboratory, working with several other graduate 
students, postdoctoral fellows, visiting scientists, and undergraduate 
students. Competitive applicants will be those with prior experience conducting 
physiological research, and/or working in a laboratory setting. Field work with 
stranded marine mammals is a possibility. However, this project will primarily 
be laboratory focused, which is why a strong passion for physiology and 
laboratory work is strongly desired. The student will earn a M.S. in either 
Biology or Marine Biology at University of North Carolina, Wilmington 
(Wilmington, NC, USA). Student support will be provided via a combination of 
teaching assistantships, summer research assistantships, and tuition waivers. 
The student will also be required to pursue independent grants and fellowships.

University of North Carolina, Wilmington provides an engaged and dynamic 
academic experience, with over 2,200 graduate students and over 18,000 students 
in total enrollment. UNCW is an affirmative action and equal opportunity 
employer that promotes achievement and success for all persons. The campus is 
located on the southeast coast of North Carolina, less than 10 miles from the 
Atlantic Ocean. UNCW has a separate Center for Marine Science which is 
approximately 7 miles from main campus and sits directly on the Intracoastal 
Waterway of the Atlantic Ocean.

Qualifications
Applicants must have a strong academic background and at least a B.S. degree 
focused in physiology, biochemistry, cell biology, or closely related field. 
Applicants should have proven laboratory experience, with references to speak 
about this experience. A background in stable isotope analysis is strongly 
desired and will make applicants more competitive. Students are expected to 
conduct their thesis research project and complete required course work within 
two years. Excellent verbal and written English communication skills are 
essential. Interested applicants should review material regarding the UNCW 
Graduate Program 
(https://uncw.edu/academics/graduate-school/)
 and the UNCW Comparative Physiology Lab under the supervision of Dr. Michael 
Tift (https://michaeltift.weebly.com/).

If you’re interested in applying, first send a single document (Word or PDF) to 
Dr. Michael Tift (ti...@uncw.edu) that contains the 
following:
1)1-2 page cover letter that highlights your research interests, research 
background, future career directions, and hypothesis driven questions related 
to red blood cell lifespan and endogenous carbon monoxide (CO) in marine 
mammals.
2)   Current CV (which includes GRE scores, GPA, research skills/experience, 
scientific publications/presentations).
3)   Unofficial transcripts.
4)   Contact information for three (3) references that can speak to your 
ability to conduct rigorous scientific research.

Next, apply to the Regular Term Instruction Application for Fall 2024: 
(https://uncw.edu/admissions/graduate/apply/regular-term).

Applications will begin to be accepted from 2/15/2024 through 5/15/2024. The 
application window will close once a candidate has accepted the position.
Contact
Dr. Michael Tift
ti...@uncw.edu (preferred contact method)



Dr. Michael Tift

(He/Him/His)

Assistant Professor

Director of UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program

Department of Biology and Marine Biology

University of North Carolina Wilmington

601 S. College Rd.

Wilmington, NC 28403. U.S.A.

Telephone: +1-(910) 962-2777

Lab Website: https://michaeltift.weebly.com/



For Shipments use:

Dobo Hall 1008

4978 Cahill Drive

Wilmington, NC 28403-5915



Standing Zoom Meeting:

https://uncw.zoom.us/j/83459979593?pwd=TEtDc1BpOUFWakZ6NnZseWl3bjN4Zz09

Meeting ID: 834 5997 9593

Passcode: TIFT



NOTICE: Emails sent and received in the course of 

[MARMAM] Original publication on Multispecies approaches to Identify Priority Areas for Conservation of Vulnerable Marine Megafauna

[Eduardo Secchi]

Dear MARMAMers,

On behalf of my co-authors I am pleased to share our recent publication in 
Biodiversity and Conservation, below:

Saüt, M.M., Monteiro D.S., Prado, J.H.,  Pennino, M.G., Secchi, E.R. 2024. 
Identifying priority areas using a multispecies approach
for the conservation of marine megafauna species vulnerable to bycatch in 
commercial gillnet fisheries. Biodiversity and Conservation. 
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-023-02748-y 
 


Abstract
Bycatch is one of the main causes of mortality among marine megafauna around 
the world. In the coastal waters of southern Brazil, bycatch in gillnet 
fisheries affects threatened species that use this region as a breeding and 
feeding area. The identification of hotspot areas of bycatch is necessary to 
design and prioritize efficient spatial–temporal closures that protect the 
largest possible number of threatened species of marine megafauna. In this 
context, the use of a multispecies approach is an important step towards 
planning effective fisheries management measures. This study has two main 
objectives: (1) to identify hotspot areas of bycatch in gillnet fisheries for 
the most threatened marine megafauna species on the continental shelf of Rio 
Grande do Sul (RS); (2) compare single species and multispecies mapping methods 
for the identification of these areas. To meet these objectives, data collected 
by onboard observers during fishing trips in the coastal commercial RS-based 
gillnet fleet between 2013 and 2015 and between 2018 and 2020 were analyzed. 
For the identification of the areas, hierarchical Bayesian spatio-temporal 
models were implemented, using monospecific and multispecific approaches and a 
weighting system for the conservation status of the species. Both approaches 
provide similar results, identifying three bycatch hotspots according to the 
time frame analysed. Based on our findings, we propose these areas as the
top candidates for fishing exclusion zones, based on their biodiversity value. 
The suggested spatio-temporal closures would benefit several endangered species 
while also contributing to the recovery of fish populations.

Kind regards,

Edu
-- 
Eduardo R. Secchi, PhD
Senior Researcher
Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha - EcoMega
Instituto de Oceanografia
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG)
www.furg.br 
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