[MARMAM] New Paper: Widespread exposure of marine parks, whales, and whale sharks to shipping

[Vanessa Pirotta (HDR)]

Dear MARMAM colleagues,

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



Widespread exposure of marine parks, whales, and whale sharks to shipping

Raoult, V., Pirotta, V., Gaston, T.F., Norman, B., Reynolds, S., Smith, T.M., 
Double, M., How, J., and Hayward, M.W. (2022). Marine and Freshwater Research 
doi:10.1071/MF22050

ABSTRACT
Context. Shipping impacts are a major environmental concern that can affect the 
behaviour and health of marine mammals and fishes. The potential impacts of 
shipping within marine parks is rarely considered during the planning process. 
Aims. We assessed the areal disturbance footprint of shipping around Australia, 
its overlap with marine parks, and known locations of megafauna, so as to 
identify areas of concern that warrant further investigation. Methods. 
Automatic Identification System (AIS) shipping data from 2018 to 2021 were 
interpreted through a kernel- density distribution and compared with satellite 
data from ~200 individuals of megafauna amalgamated from 2003 to 2018, and the 
locations of marine parks. Key results. Over 18% of marine parks had shipping 
exposure in excess of 365 vessels per year. Around all of Australia, 39% of 
satellite-tag reports from whale shark and 36.7% of pygmy blue and humpback 
whale satellite-tag reports were in moderate shipping-exposure areas (>90 ships 
per year). Shipping exposure significantly increased from 2018 despite the 
pandemic, including within marine parks. Conclusions. These results highlight 
the wide-scale footprint of commercial shipping on marine ecosystems that may 
be increasing in intensity over time. Implications. Consideration should be 
made for assessing and potentially limiting shipping impacts along migration 
routes and within marine parks.

Available here: https://www.publish.csiro.au/mf/MF22050
[https://www.publish.csiro.au/covers/MF_generic.jpg]
CSIRO PUBLISHING | Marine and Freshwater 
Research
Context Shipping impacts are a major environmental concern that can affect the 
behaviour and health of marine mammals and fishes. The potential impacts of 
shipping within marine parks is rarely considered during the planning 
process.Aims We assessed the areal disturbance footprint of shipping around 
Australia, its overlap with marine parks, and known locations of megafauna, so 
as to identify ...
www.publish.csiro.au



Vanessa

Dr. Vanessa Pirotta
Marine Predator Research Group
School of Natural Sciences
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
Twitter: @vanessapirotta
Superstar of STEM 2021-2022
Watch my TEDx talk here

[cid:894aa57d-436d-4748-bf0d-7ddf0bfd83aa]
[cid:5cbacb19-542a-4786-9779-dadfee0be1f0]
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[MARMAM] New Publication: Sighting records of “Migaloo” the white humpback whale provide evidence of Australian site fidelity and use of New Zealand waters as a migratory route

[Vanessa Pirotta (HDR)]

Dear MARMAM colleagues,

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



Sighting records of “Migaloo” the white humpback whale provide evidence of 
Australian site fidelity and use of New Zealand waters as a migratory route


Pirotta, V., Franklin, W., Mansfield, L., Lowe, J., and Peterson, O. (2022). 
Sighting records of “Migaloo” the white humpback whale provide evidence of 
Australian site fidelity and use of New Zealand waters as a migratory route. 
Australian Zoologist; doi: https://doi.org/10.7882/AZ.2022.043

ABSTRACT

Observations of an all-white humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) along the 
Australian east coast were first made in 1991 off Byron Bay, Australia. Genetic 
analysis of tissue samples collected from this individual confirmed this whale 
to be male and lacking pigmentation as a result of albinism. While there are 
observations of other predominately white humpback whales, this individual is 
the only known true white (albino) humpback whale in the Australian east coast 
population. Due to his unique appearance, this individual has since become 
known as “Migaloo”, which is a First Nations meaning for “white fella”. In this 
short note we present the first extensive sighting history of Migaloo collected 
via scientific and citizen science efforts. This provides evidence of Migaloo’s 
presence in both Australian and New Zealand waters confirmed through 
photographic evidence and genetic testing. We also detail gaps in sighting 
history and highlight variability in the east Australian humpback whale 
population migration. The collective annual effort to document Migaloo’s 
presence along the Australian east coast is a unique opportunity to connect a 
wide community of scientists and non-scientists through whale research. It also 
highlights variability in whale movement geographically and the potential 
impact changing oceans might have on this in the future.


Best regards,



Vanessa Pirotta


Dr. Vanessa Pirotta
Marine Predator Research Group
School of Natural Sciences
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
Twitter: @vanessapirotta
Superstar of STEM 2021-2022
Watch my TEDx talk here

[cid:69de3658-cbbe-49fe-86a6-b12b74242034]
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[MARMAM] Opportunistic sightings of blue whales off Sydney, Australia

[Vanessa Pirotta (HDR)]

Dear MARMAM colleagues,

Rob Harcourt and I are pleased to announce the following publication now 
available online:



Opportunistic sightings of blue whales off Sydney, Australia




Pirotta and Harcourt (2021). Opportunistic sightings of blue whales off Sydney, 
Australia. Australian Zoologist; doi: https://doi.org/10.7882/AZ.2021.020



Abstract:



Two subspecies of blue whale occur in Australian waters, (1) the pygmy blue 
whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) and (2) the Antarctic blue whale 
(Balaenoptera musculus intermedia). Understanding blue whale presence in 
Australian waters is critical to ensuring Australia’s protection of these 
marine mammals as both subspecies were heavily exploited during historical 
whaling. This short note documents pygmy blue whale sightings in New South 
Wales waters over the last 18 years. Observations were opportunistically made 
via citizen science and verified by scientists. Sightings in this note 
contribute to our limited knowledge of pygmy blue whale distribution along the 
east coast of Australia and may help understand the migratory movements of New 
Zealand pygmy blue whales off Australia and in the Tasman Sea. Overall, 
information presented in this note contributes to Australia’s national and 
international conservation efforts to protecting blue whales as a migratory and 
threatened species.


Best regards,



Vanessa Pirotta

Dr. Vanessa Pirotta
Marine Predator Research Group
Department of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
Twitter: @vanessapirotta
Superstar of STEM 2021-2022
Watch my TEDx talk here

[cid:5c866b6c-8e1b-4f84-9b5f-0f88d72eeaf8]
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[MARMAM] First evidence of bubble-net feeding and the formation of ‘super-groups’ by the east Australian population of humpback whales during their southward migration

[Vanessa Pirotta (HDR)]

Dear MARMAM readers,



My colleagues and I would like to share our new publication:


First evidence of bubble-net feeding and the formation of ‘super-groups’ by the 
east Australian population of humpback whales during their southward migration.


Pirotta V, Owen K, Donnelly D, Brasier MJ, Harcourt R. First evidence of 
bubble-net feeding and the formation of ‘super-groups’ by the east Australian 
population of humpback whales during their southward migration. Aquatic 
Conserv: Mar Freshw Ecosyst. 2021;1–8. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3621

Abstract

  1.  The recovery of overexploited populations is likely to reveal behaviours 
that may have been present prior to harvest but are only now reappearing as the 
population size increases. The east Australian humpback whale (Megaptera 
novaeangliae) population (group V, stock E1) has recovered well from past 
exploitation and is now estimated to be close to the pre-whaling population 
size.
  2.  Humpback whales were thought to follow a ‘feast and famine’ model 
historically, feeding intensively in high-latitude feeding grounds and then 
fasting while migrating and in calving grounds; however, there is growing 
evidence that animals may feed outside of known foraging grounds.
  3.  This short article reports on the first photographically documented 
evidence of bubble-net feeding by humpback whales in Australian coastal waters 
(n = 10 groups observed) and provides the first evidence of a second site in 
the southern hemisphere for the formation of ‘super-groups’ (n = 6 super-groups 
at discrete locations).
  4.  The formation of super-groups may be linked to changes in the type or 
density of prey available, either along the migratory route or in the feeding 
grounds of the previous summer. It is also possible that the increased 
population size following recovery make large group sizes while feeding more 
common. These findings strongly support evidence that feeding behaviour is not 
restricted to high-latitude foraging grounds in the Southern Ocean, and that 
prey consumption prior to leaving the coastal waters of Australia may be a 
significant component of the migratory ecology of this population.
  5.  Understanding how environmental variation influences the extent to which 
humpback whales depend on foraging opportunities along their migratory route, 
and where feeding occurs, will help to predict how future changes in the ocean 
will influence whale populations. This will also allow for more effective 
management measures to reduce the impact of threats during this important 
period of energy consumption.

Vanessa

Dr. Vanessa Pirotta
Marine Predator Research Group
Department of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
Twitter: @vanessapirotta
Superstar of STEM 2021-2022
Watch my TEDx talk here

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[MARMAM] New Publication: Operational Protocols for the Use of Drones in Marine Animal Research

[Vanessa Pirotta (HDR)]

Dear MARMAM readers,

My colleagues and I would like to share our new publication:

Operational Protocols for the Use of Drones in Marine Animal Research

Raoult, V.; Colefax, A.P.; Allan, B.M.; Cagnazzi, D.; Castelblanco-Martínez, 
N.; Ierodiaconou, D.; Johnston, D.W.; Landeo-Yauri, S.; Lyons, M.; Pirotta, V.; 
Schofield, G.; Butcher, P.A. Operational Protocols for the Use of Drones in 
Marine Animal Research. Drones 2020, 4, 64.

Abstract
The use of drones to study marine animals shows promise for the examination of 
numerous aspects of their ecology, behaviour, health and movement patterns. 
However, the responses of some marine phyla to the presence of drones varies 
broadly, as do the general operational protocols used to study them. 
Inconsistent methodological approaches could lead to difficulties comparing 
studies and can call into question the repeatability of research. This review 
draws on current literature and researchers with a wealth of practical 
experience to outline the idiosyncrasies of studying various marine taxa with 
drones. We also outline current best practice for drone operation in marine 
environments based on the literature and our practical experience in the field. 
The protocols outlined herein will be of use to researchers interested in 
incorporating drones as a tool into their research on marine animals and will 
help form consistent approaches for drone-based studies in the future.

Available here:https://doi.org/10.3390/drones4040064

Dr. Vanessa Pirotta
Marine Predator Research Group
Department of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
Twitter: @vanessapirotta
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[MARMAM] New publication: Long-term trends and a risk analysis of cetacean entanglements and bycatch in fisheries gear in Australian waters

[Vanessa Pirotta (HDR)]

Dear MARMAM readers,



My colleagues and I would like to share our new publication:

Long-term trends and a risk analysis of cetacean entanglements and bycatch in 
fisheries gear in Australian waters



Vivitskaia Tulloch, Vanessa Pirotta, Alana Grech, Susan Crocetti, Michael 
Double, Jason How, Catherine Kemper, Justin Meager, Victor Peddemors, Kelly 
Waples, Mandy Watson and Robert Harcourt. Biodivers Conserv (2019). 
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-019-01881-x





Abstract

Assessments of fisheries interactions with non-target species are crucial for 
quantifying anthropogenic threatening processes and informing management 
action. We perform the first multi-jurisdictional analysis of spatial and 
temporal trends, data gaps and risk assessment of cetacean interactions with 
fisheries gear for the entire Australian Exclusive Economic Zone. Bycatch and 
entanglement records dating from 1887 to 2016 were collected from across 
Australia (n = 1987). Since 2000 there has been a substantial increase in 
reported bycatch and entanglements and this is likely the result of improved 
monitoring or recording by some jurisdictions and fisheries as well as changing 
fishing effort, combined with continuing recovery of baleen whale populations 
after cessation of commercial whaling. A minimum of 27 cetacean species were 
recorded entangled, with over 30% of records involving interactions with 
threatened, vulnerable or endangered species. Three times the number of 
dolphins and toothed whales were recorded entangled compared to baleen whales. 
Inshore dolphins were assessed as most vulnerable to population decline as a 
result of entanglements, though humpback whales, common bottlenose dolphins, 
and short-beaked common dolphins were the most frequently caught. Only 
one-quarter of animals were reported to have survived entanglement, either 
through intervention or self-release from fishing gear. Spatial mapping of the 
records highlighted entanglement hotspots along the east and west coast of the 
continent, regions where high human population density, high fishing effort, 
and high density of migrating humpback whales all occur, augmented by high 
captures of dolphins in shark control gear along the east coast. Areas of few 
entanglements were more remote, highlighting substantial bias in entanglement 
reporting. Our gap analysis identified discrepancies in data quality and 
recording consistency both within and between jurisdictions. Disparities in the 
types of fisheries data provided for the analysis by different state agencies 
limited our ability to compile bycatch data in a representative and systematic 
way. This research highlights the need for improved standardised data recording 
and reporting by all agencies, and compulsory sharing of detailed fisheries 
interaction and effort data, as this would increase the value of entanglement 
and bycatch data as a conservation and management tool.



Vanessa


Dr. Vanessa Pirotta
Marine Predator Research Group
Department of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
Twitter: @vanessapirotta
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[MARMAM] New publication: A citizen science approach to long-term monitoring of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) off Sydney, Australia

[Vanessa Pirotta (HDR)]

Dear MARMAM readers,

My colleagues and I would like to share our new publication:


A citizen science approach to long-term monitoring of humpback whales 
(Megaptera novaeangliae) off Sydney, Australia

Pirotta, V., Reynolds, W., Ross, G., Jonsen, I, Grech, A., Slip, D., and 
Harcourt, R. A citizen science approach to long‐term monitoring of humpback 
whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) off Sydney, Australia. Mar Mam Sci.  2019; 1– 
14. https://doi.org/10./mms.12651


Abstract

The Cape Solander Whale Migration Study is a citizen science project that 
annually counts northward migrating humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) 
off Cape Solander, Sydney, Australia. Dedicated observers have compiled a 
20-year data set (1997–2017) of shore-based observations from Cape Solander's 
high vantage point. Using this long-term data set collected by citizen 
scientists, we sought to estimate the humpback whale population trend as it 
continues to recover postexploitation. We estimated an exponential growth rate 
of 0.099 (95% CI = 0.079–0.119) using a generalized linear model, based on 
observer effort (number of observation days) and number of whales observed, 
equating to 10% per annum growth in sightings since 1997. We found that 
favorable weather conditions for spotting whales off Cape Solander consisted of 
winds <30 km/hr from a southerly through a north westerly direction. Incidental 
observations of other cetacean species included the endangered blue whale 
(Balaenoptera musculus) and data deficient species such as killer whales 
(Orcinus orca) and false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens). Citizen 
science-based studies can provide a cost-effective approach to monitoring 
wildlife over the time necessary to detect change in a population. Information 
obtained from citizen science projects like this may help inform policy makers 
responsible for State and Federal protection of cetaceans in Australian waters 
and beyond.

Vanessa

Dr. Vanessa Pirotta
Marine Predator Research Group
Department of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
Twitter: @vanessapirotta
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[MARMAM] New Publication: Challenges of collecting blow from small cetaceans

[Vanessa Pirotta (HDR)]

Dear MARMAM readers,

My colleagues and I would like to share our new publication:

Challenges of collecting blow from small cetaceans

Raudino, H. C., J. A. Tyne, A. Smith, K. Ottewell, S. McArthur, A. M. Kopps, D. 
Chabanne, R. G.Harcourt, V. Pirotta, and K. Waples. 2019. Challenges of 
collecting blow from small cetaceans. Ecosphere 10(10):e02901. 10.1002/ecs2.2901

Abstract
We trialed the collection of blow samples using a waterproof electric 
multirotor (quadcopter) drone from two free-ranging dolphin species, the 
abundant and approachable bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) and the less 
common and boat shy humpback dolphin (Sousa sahulensis). This drone was fast, 
maneuverable, and quiet compared to other drones commonly used in studies of 
cetaceans and relative to their hearing thresholds. We were successful in 
collecting blow samples from four individual dolphins (three bottlenose 
dolphins and one humpback dolphin) in two groups. The success of obtaining 
samples was dependent on the individual dolphin’s activity. We were successful 
in sampling when dolphins were resting and socializing but found that 
socializing dolphins were not predictable in their surfacing and direction and 
therefore do not recommend drone sampling socializing dolphins. The suitability 
and preference of the sampling technique over biopsy sampling is highly 
dependent on the dolphin activity. We also attempted to extract DNA from the 
blow samples with the aim of assessing the feasibility of using blow sampling 
by drone for population genetic studies. We were unsuccessful in extracting DNA 
and recommend that others attempting to sample dolphin blow with a drone should 
prioritize collecting a larger volume of blow that may yield adequate 
concentrations of DNA to be amplified. Blow sample volume could potentially be 
increased by sampling with more absorbent materials.

Available online here: 
https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ecs2.2901

Vanessa

Dr. Vanessa Pirotta
Marine Predator Research Group
Department of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
Twitter: @vanessapirotta
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[MARMAM] New review paper

[Vanessa Pirotta (HDR)]

Dear MARMAM colleagues,
My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following 
manuscript available online:
Consequences of global shipping traffic for marine giants
Vanessa Pirotta, Alana Grech, Ian D Jonsen, William F Laurance, Robert G 
Harcourt
Front Ecol Environ 2018; doi: 10.1002/fee.1987

Abstract

Shipping routes in the ocean are analogous to terrestrial roads, in that they 
are regularly used thoroughfares that concentrate the movement of vessels 
between multiple locations. We applied a terrestrial road ecology framework to 
examine the ecological impacts of increased global shipping on “marine giants” 
(ie great whales, basking sharks [Cetorhinus maximus], and whale sharks 
[Rhincodon typus]). This framework aided in identifying where such “marine 
roads” and marine giants are likely to interact and the consequences of those 
interactions. We also reviewed known impacts of shipping routes on these 
species, and then applied the road ecology framework to detect unknown and 
potentially threatening processes. In the marine environment, such a framework 
can be used to incorporate knowledge of existing shipping impacts into 
management practices, thereby reducing the detrimental effects of future 
expansion of shipping routes on marine giants.


Publication available here:

https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fee.1987

Best regards,

Vanessa Pirotta
Twitter: @vanessapirotta

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[MARMAM] Virological Sampling of Inaccessible Wildlife with Drones

[Vanessa Pirotta (HDR)]

Dear MARMAM colleagues,
My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following 
manuscript now available online:

Virological Sampling of Inaccessible Wildlife with Drones

Geoghegan, J.L.; Pirotta, V.; Harvey, E.; Smith, A.; Buchmann, J.P.; Ostrowski, 
M.; Eden, J.-S.; Harcourt, R.; Holmes, E.C. Virological Sampling of 
Inaccessible Wildlife with Drones. Viruses 2018, 10, 300.

Abstract:

There is growing interest in characterizing the viromes of diverse mammalian 
species, particularly in the context of disease emergence. However, little is 
known about virome diversity in aquatic mammals, in part due to difficulties in 
sampling. We characterized the virome of the exhaled breath (or blow) of the 
Eastern Australian humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). To achieve an 
unbiased survey of virome diversity, a meta-transcriptomic analysis was 
performed on 19 pooled whale blow samples collected via a purpose-built 
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV, or drone) approximately 3 km off the coast of 
Sydney, Australia during the 2017 winter annual northward migration from 
Antarctica to northern Australia. To our knowledge, this is the first time that 
UAVs have been used to sample viruses. Despite the relatively small number of 
animals surveyed in this initial study, we identified six novel virus species 
from five viral families. This work demonstrates the potential of UAVs in 
studies of virus disease, diversity, and evolution.

Keywords: whale;  virome; drone;  mammalian host;  virosphere

Publication available here:

http://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/10/6/300

Best regards,

Vanessa Pirotta


Vanessa Pirotta | PhD Candidate
Marine Predator Research Group
Department of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
Twitter: @VanessaPirotta
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[MARMAM] New publication on drones and humpback whales

[Vanessa Pirotta (HDR)]

Dear MARMAM colleagues,
My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following 
manuscript now available online:

An economical custom-built drone for assessing whale health.

Vanessa Pirotta, Alastair Smith, Martin Ostrowski, Dylan Russell, Ian D. 
Jonsen, Alana Grech and Robert Harcourt (2017). An economical custom-built 
drone for assessing whale health. Frontiers in Marine Science 4:425.

Abstract:

Drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have huge potential to improve the 
safety and efficiency of sample collection from wild animals under logistically 
challenging circumstances. Here we present a method for surveying population 
health that uses UAVs to sample respiratory vapor, ‘whale blow,’ exhaled by 
free-swimming humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), and coupled this with 
amplification and sequencing of respiratory tract microbiota. We developed a 
low-cost multirotor UAV incorporating a sterile petri dish with a remotely 
operated ‘blow’ to sample whale blow with minimal disturbance to the whales. 
This design addressed several sampling challenges: accessibility; safety; cost, 
and critically, minimized the collection of atmospheric and seawater microbiota 
and other potential sources of sample contamination. We collected 59 samples of 
blow from northward migrating humpback whales off Sydney, Australia and used 
high throughput sequencing of bacterial ribosomal gene markers to identify 
putative respiratory tract microbiota. Model-based comparisons with seawater 
and drone- captured air demonstrated that our system minimized external sources 
of contamination and successfully captured sufficient material to identify 
whale blow-specific microbial taxa. Whale-specific taxa included species and 
genera previously associated with the respiratory tracts or oral cavities of 
mammals (e.g., Pseudomonas, Clostridia, Cardiobacterium), as well as species 
previously isolated from dolphin or killer whale blowholes (Corynebacteria, 
others). Many examples of exogenous marine species were identified, including 
Tenacibaculum and Psychrobacter spp. that have been associated with the skin 
microbiota of marine mammals and fish and may include pathogens. This 
information provides a baseline of respiratory tract microbiota profiles of 
contemporary whale health. Customized UAVs are a promising new tool for marine 
megafauna research and may have broad application in cost-effective monitoring 
and management of whale populations worldwide.

Keywords: UAV, UAS, drone, blow, humpback whale, microbiota, technology, 
conservation

This publication is open access and is available here:

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2017.00425/full

Best regards,

Vanessa Pirotta



Vanessa Pirotta | PhD Candidate
Marine Predator Research Group
Department of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
Twitter: @VanessaPirotta
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