[MARMAM] New publication: increased sightings of subArctic cetaceans (humpback, fin, and minke whales) in the eastern Chukchi Sea

[Amelia Brower]

Dear MARMAM readers,
We are pleased to announce the following paper has been published online in the 
journal Polar Biology:
Brower, A.A., Clarke, J.T. & Ferguson, M.C.  2018.  Increased sightings of 
subArctic cetaceans in the eastern Chukchi Sea, 2008-2016: population recovery, 
response to climate change, or increased survey effort?  Polar Biology.  
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-018-2257-x
Abstract:Cetacean occurrence in the Chukchi Sea is seasonal and primarily 
driven by annual sea ice retreat and prey occurrence in spring through fall.  
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), 
and minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), although often found in polar 
waters elsewhere, are not common in the eastern Chukchi Sea, and here are 
referred to as “subArctic” species.  Increasing numbers of these subArctic 
cetacean species were documented during aerial surveys in the eastern Chukchi 
Sea (67°-72°N, 157°-169°W) in July-October 2008-2016.  The majority (78%) of 
these sightings occurred on the continental shelf in the south-central Chukchi 
Sea (67°-69°N, 166°-169°W) in August and September.  During similar aerial 
surveys in 1982-1991, there was a complete lack of sightings of subArctic 
species.  The disparity in sightings between the two time periods could be due 
to increased marine mammal survey effort in recent years during the months when 
subArctic cetacean species would be expected to occur, population recoveries 
from commercial whaling, climate change, or, most likely, a combination of all 
three.  
Link to full text article:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-018-2257-x
If you would like a copy of the full text pdf, please contact me at: 
amelia.bro...@noaa.gov
Sincerely,Amelia BrowerJoint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and 
OceanUniversity of Washington, andCetacean Assessment and Ecology Program 
Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center NOAA Fisheries

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[MARMAM] new open access publication on dolphin echolocation

[Laura Kloepper]

Dear colleagues,

We are happy to share our new open access publication "Off-axis targets
maximize bearing Fisher Information in broadband active sonar" which
combines mathematical predictions with empirical measurements of a
bottlenose dolphin. We derived the bearing Fisher Information encoded in
the frequency-dependent transmitted beam of a bottlenose dolphin and found
that the optimal strategy for obtaining target information is to direct the
beam slightly askew of the target. We also recorded the echolocation
behavior of dolphin and found the dolphin behaved in agreement with our
predictions.

This paper is open access and is available at the following link:
http://asa.scitation.org/doi/10.1121/1.5021709

Cheers,
Laura Kloepper

Dr. Laura Kloepper
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN 46556
lkloep...@saintmarys.edu
574-284-4668
@ProfLKloepper
laurakloepper.net  

Lab Webpage:
smcbellebats.wordpress.com
@smcbellebats
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[MARMAM] New publication: Genetic study of Japanese harbour seals (Mariko Mizuno)

[m m]

Dear colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a new publication in PLOS ONE:
Mitochondrial DNA reveals secondary contact in Japanese harbour seals, the 
southernmost population in the western Pacific.

Full citation:
Mizuno, M., Sasaki, T., Kobayashi, M., Haneda, T., & Masubuchi, T. (2018). 
Mitochondrial DNA reveals secondary contact in Japanese harbour seals, the 
southernmost population in the western Pacific. PLOS ONE, 13(1), e0191329. 
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0191329


Abstract:
In this study, we used relatively large number of samples (n = 178) and control 
region of mtDNA (454bp) to clearify the divergence history of Japanese harbour 
seals (Phoca vitulina stejnegeri) and phylogenetic relationship between the 
seals in Japan and other countries. Our results suggested that Japanese harbour 
seals possibly consisted of more than two lineages and secondary contact of 
populations after a long isolation. Furthermore, one of the lineage was made 
only by Japanese harbour seals (Group P1). The proportion of Group P1 was the 
highest at the South West and gradually decreased towards the North East of 
Hokkaido, Japan. On the other hand, the haplotypes do not belonged to Group P1 
showed close relationship to the seals in the North Pacific. Based on the 
fossil record of harbour seal in Japan and the range of sea ice during the Last 
Glacial Maximum (LGM), Group P1 might have entered Japan before the LGM and 
became isolated due to the geographical boundary, and gradually extended its 
range from the South West towards the North East of Hokkaido after the 
disappearance of the sea ice, while the seals which are not in Group P1 
immigrated into Japan from the North Pacific.

You can download the full article at:
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0191329=printable

or feel free to email me to request a PDF copy:
m_mizun...@yahoo.co.uk.

Best regards,

Mariko Mizuno
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[MARMAM] Bahamas Wild Dolphin Research Experience

[Kelly Melillo Sweeting]

Dolphin Communication Project (DCP) - Wild Dolphin Research Experience

Session 1: Check-in Saturday 26 May, Check-out Thursday 31 May 2018
and 
Session 2: Check-in Sunday 26 August, Check-out Friday 31 August 2018

Bimini, The Bahamas 

The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP, www.dolphincommunicationproject.org) is 
currently seeking to fill remaining spaces on our 5-day wild dolphin research 
experiences. 

DCP looks at how dolphins communicate and attempts to shed more light on the 
meaning of their interactions. With research ongoing since 1991, our questions 
focus primarily on communication and behavior among dolphins. Participants will 
spend their time at our Bimini, The Bahamas, research site, where we study wild 
Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. An abbreviated publication list is 
available at the end of this post. 

We still have several spaces available for both of our 2018 Bimini, The Bahamas 
research sessions. These programs will have a more casual atmosphere than field 
courses or internships, however participants will have many opportunities to 
not only learn about DCP's research, but actually assist with data collection 
and preliminary analysis (mainly data entry and photo-ID).  

Where: Bimini, The Bahamas (accessible from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm 
Beach and Melbourne, FL)
Session 1: Saturday 26 May - Thursday 31 May 2018
Session 2: Sunday 26 August -  Friday 31 August 2018
Price per session: $1875 per person (payable online; $50 discount for payment 
by US check)
Included: 5 nights' hotel accommodation (dbl occ), 5 dolphin trips (4-5 hours 
each, weather dependent), meals (prepared by private cook, served "family 
style"), boat snacks, drinking water, snorkel gear (if needed), DCP talks, VAT
Not included: Airfare, gratuity ($100 recommended)
Deposits ($350) are required to reserve your space. 

Who can apply: Anyone with an interest in dolphin behavior and research. 
Previous experience snorkeling is encouraged, but not required. Anyone under 18 
must be accompanied by an adult. US citizens are required to travel to The 
Bahamas with a valid passport. Other nationals should check requirements.

For more information, email DCP Bimini Research Manager, Kel Sweeting at 
ke...@dcpmail.org. Learn more about DCP's research on wild Atlantic spotted and 
bottlenose dolphins off Bimini, The Bahamas at 
www.dolphincommunicationproject.org

Selected Refereed Publications: 
(for a full list of publications by DCP researchers, please visit: 
http://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/index.php/about-dolphins/scientific-publications)
 

Dudzinski, K.M., Clark, C.W., Würsig, B. 1995. A mobile video/acoustic system 
for simultaneously recording dolphin behavior and vocalizations underwater. 
Aquatic Mammals 21(3): 187-193. 

Dudzinski, K.M. 1998. Contact behavior and signal exchange among Atlantic 
spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). Aquatic Mammals 24(3): 129-142. 

Dudzinski, K.M., M. Sakai, M., Masaki, K., Kogi, K., Hishii, T., Kurimoto, M. 
2003. Behavioral observations of adult and sub-adult dolphins towards two dead 
bottlenose dolphins (one female and one male). Aquatic Mammals 29(1): 108-116. 

Gregg, J.D., Dudzinski, K.M., Smith, H.V. 2007. Do dolphins eavesdrop on the 
echolocation signals of conspecifics? International Journal of Comparative 
Psychology, 20: 65-88 

Dudzinski, K.M., Thomas, J. Gregg, J.D. 2008. Communication. In (W.F. Perrin, 
B. Würsig, H.C.M. Thewissen, eds) Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals, second 
edition. Academic Press, Inc. 

Melillo, K.E., Dudzinski, K.M., Cornick, L.A. 2009. Interactions between 
Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) 
dolphins off Bimini, The Bahamas, 2003-2007. Aquatic Mammals, 35:281-291 

Dudzinski, K.M., Gregg, J.D., Paulos, R.D., Kuczaj, S.A. 2010. A comparison of 
pectoral fin contact behaviour for three distinct dolphin populations. 
Behavioural Processes, 84: 559-567. 

Greene, W., Melillo-Sweeting, K., Dudzinski, K. 2011. Comparing object play in 
captive and wild dolphins. International Journal of Comparative Psychology 
24(3):292-306. 

Dudzinski, KM, Gregg, JD, Melillo-Sweeting, K, Levengood, A, Seay, B., Kuczaj 
II, SA. 2012. Tactile contact exchanges between dolphins: self-rubbing versus 
inter-individual contact in three species from three geographies. International 
Journal of Comparative Psychology 25:21-43. 

Dudzinski, KM, Danaher-Garcia, N, Gregg, JD. 2013. Pectoral fin contact between 
dolphin dyads at Zoo Duisburg, with comparison to other dolphin study 
populations. Aquatic Mammals. 39(4): 335-343. 

Melillo-Sweeting, K, Turnbull, S and Guttridge, T. 2014. Evidence of shark 
attacks on Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose dolphins 
(Tursiops truncatus) off Bimini, The Bahamas. Marine Mammal Science. DOI: 
10./mms.12082 

Melillo-Sweeting, K., Yeater, D., Dudzinski, KM. 2015. Dolphin sightings near 
the coast of Bimini, The Bahamas, 2003 – 2013. 

[MARMAM] DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL

[AIMM Internships]

*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL*



*BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a
non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and
conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in
southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline
information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the
local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support
conservation measures and inform marine management policies.

The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus
delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises
(Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales
(Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can
also be sighted.

AIMM Participants are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to
contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while
experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing
methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine
biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share
accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental
friendly and multicultural environment.

Participants have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by
beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor.



*WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal



*WHEN:* The field season lasts from May 1 - October 31, 2018. The minimum
attendance is 7 days, preferably starting on a Monday.



*FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel,
Ketos, or in opportunistic platforms (commercial dolphin-watching boats).
Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions and seat availability in the
dolphin-watching boats. Field days can be intense, especially in the peak
of summer, but are fulfilling and good fun. The participants will be
trained to:

·Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence;

·Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS;

·Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.;

·Collection of photo to photo-identification, acoustic recording,
and underwater videos while on-board.



*DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail
entering data into established databases and spreadsheets,
photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation.



*PROGRAMME FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on
donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people
like you so that we may continue our important research and education
programs in the Algarve. This programme requires a monetary contribution
which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a
non-profit. For more information on the fees for the 2018 season, please
contact: inte...@aimm-portugal.org



*Included* in the fee is:

·Accommodation in the research house;

·Transportation to/from the marina;

·Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner);

·Fieldwork in the research vessel or commercial dolphin-watching
vessels.



*Not included* in the fee is:

·Transportation to/from Albufeira;

·Meals in restaurants and snacks;

·Free time activities;

·Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or
travel insurance);

·Personal expenses.



*PARTICIPANTS ARE EXPECTED TO:*

·Be above the age of 16;

·Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and
environment;

·Be autonomous and flexible;

·Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly
outdoors at sea;

·Speak English;

·Participate for minimum 7 days.



*Preference will be given* to those who have:

·Relevant marine mammal field experience

·Working experience on research vessels

·Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms

·Experience in photo-identification

·Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID

·Availability to stay for longer periods of time





*APPLICATION PROCESS: *

Applicants should send an e-mail to inte...@aimm-portugal.org, subject
“*ALBUFEIRA
INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME*” with your Resume/CV, personal statement on which are
your expectations and the period of time that you want do the program.

You will receive an e-mail with the availability and all the others details.

Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application
is recommended due to limited vacancies.





*Contacts*: inte...@aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org |


-- 

AIMM - Associação para Investigação do Meio Marinho / *Marine Environment
Research Association*

w ww.aimmportugal.org
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[MARMAM] New publication: Common dolphin diet off the the Western Iberia and correlation with sardine decline

[Ana Marçalo]

 Dear All,


We are pleased to announce the online publication of our paper in Marine
Biology.


Marçalo A., Nicolau L., Giménez J., Ferreira M., Silva, A., Vingada J.,
Pierce G.J. (2018). Feeding ecology of the common dolphin (Delphinus
delphis) in Western Iberian waters: has the decline in sardine (Sardina
pilchardus) affected dolphin diet? Marine Biology, 165: 44.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-018-3285-3

Abstract:
Predator diet is expected to respond to changes in the abundance of
important prey items. We investigated whether common
dolphin diet has changed with changes in the pelagic fish community off the
Iberian Peninsula in recent years, in particular
with reference to the decline of sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and the
increase of Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias)
and scads (Trachurus spp.), and estimated how much fish was removed by
common dolphins in coastal waters of mainland
Portugal. Based on analysis of stomach contents of stranded animals from
2010 to 2013 (n=150), we related diet composi-
tion to sardine abundance, dolphin size and sex, season and region. Despite
the decline in sardine stocks in recent years,
sardines were the most important prey of common dolphins, as was previously
reported in the 1990s, followed by chub
mackerel and scads. However, small sardines have disappeared from the diet,
consistent with recent poor recruitment to the
stock. The relative importance of these pelagic species in the diet
increased significantly with increasing dolphin length. The
dietary importance of chub mackerel also varied regionally, with higher
intake on the southern coast. Finally, we compared
the estimated biomass of fish removed by dolphins with that taken by
fisheries. We found that even with the severe quota
restrictions on sardine catches, total biomass removed by fisheries was over
five times greater than the estimated removal by
common dolphins. Our results confirm the previously reported preference for
energy-rich prey, especially sardine, suggesting
that common dolphins in Portuguese waters specialise in feeding on this
species.

The paper is fully available via this shared link made available by
Springer Nature:

http://rdcu.be/GhX6

Best wishes to you all,

Ana

-- 
Ana Marçalo, PhD
(Bióloga de Pescas/Fisheries biologist)

CCMAR - Centro de Ciências do Mar, Universidade do Algarve
Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
http://ccmar.ualg.pt

Coastal Fisheries Research Group
Office: L 23
Tlf: +351 289 800 051 (ext. 7394)

email: amarc...@ualg.pt; amarc...@gmail.com
ORCID: http://orcid.org/-0002-0485-341X
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ana_Marcalo2
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