[MARMAM] Brighton Dolphin Project Volunteer Assistants needed

[Dylan Walker]

Dear Marmamers,

*Overview*

A UK initiative of the World Cetacean Alliance, the Brighton Dolphin
Project and associated Visitor Centre will be launched on 26th May 2018. We
require Brighton Dolphin Project Volunteer Assistants to help with the
running of the Visitor Centre, assist with a citizen science dolphin
research project, and carry out boat-based marine wildlife guiding duties
over the summer.

Volunteer Assistants are requested for a minimum of 8 weeks. Volunteer
Assistants will report directly to the Discovery and Outreach Coordinator,
work closely with WCA HQ staff, and assist a wider team of volunteers to
deliver the project.

The goals of the Brighton Dolphin Project are to:

1) Further our understanding of cetaceans off the coast of Brighton/Sussex
through dedicated research and the collection of anecdotal sightings;

2) Improve awareness of the importance of local marine ecosystems and
species through educational experiences and outreach. This will be focused
at the new Visitor Centre, and include dolphin watching simulations, beach
activities, rock pool watches, and boat trips.



*Responsibilities*

*Community Engagement** and Communication*

· Build relationships, engage community, and represent the Brighton
Dolphin Project;

· Run educational activities such as guided walks, rock pooling,
and guided boat trips;

· Represent the Brighton Dolphin Project to local businesses,
volunteers, and the public;

· Run and lead events from the Brighton Dolphin Project Discovery
Centre such as film nights, talks and open evenings;

· Be responsible for the general running of the Visitor Centre over
weekends;

· Assist with the running and coordination of training courses from
the Brighton Dolphin Project Discovery Centre;

· Assist with Brighton Dolphin Project school outreach visits;

· Assist in supervising a dedicated team of volunteers and training
new volunteers.

*Research*

· Encourage and support collaborations with local stakeholders,
including fishers and recreational boat users to gather effort and
sightings-related data, photographs, and video footage of cetaceans and
other megafauna off the Sussex coast;

· Assist in developing a Photo ID catalogue for bottlenose dolphins
(*Tursiops truncatus*).



*Funding Development*

· Assist with funding applications to assist with further
progression of the project.

*Creativity*

· Create promotional material for the Visitor Centre;

· Assist with further renovation of the Visitor Centre;

· Run arts and crafts activities for children from the Visitor
Centre.

*Knowledge* *required*

· Experience and knowledge of cetaceans and marine conservation
issues;

· Very strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a
multidisciplinary team;

· Highly organized and detail-oriented;

· Ability to thrive in a multi-tasking, high
energy environment with shifting priorities;

· Ability to excite and engage prospective supporters of the
organisation through public speaking, meetings, and personal outreach;

· Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to supervise and
motivate volunteers;

· A proven track record of communicating with different audiences
and age groups.



*Qualifications** required*

· Degree or studying towards a degree in environmental / biological
/ educational subject;



*Dates and times*

*1st start date:* 21st May – 15th July

*2nd start date:* 4th June – 29th July

*3rd start date:* 9th July – 2nd September

*4th start date:* 23rd July – 16th September

*5th start date: *30th July– 23rd September

*40 hours per week. Weekend work will be required. *





*To apply please send a CV and covering letter to Alex Hughes at: *

*alex.hug...@worldcetaceanalliance.org
 with the subject line: ‘Name’
Brighton Dolphin Project Volunteer Application; by 10am BST on Friday 11th
May.  *




*Dylan Walker*Chief Executive Officer


*World Cetacean Alliance*
Studio 3, Lower Promenade
Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1ET, UK.
t: +44 (0) 1273 355011
c: +44 (0) 7900 471490
e: dy...@worldcetaceanalliance.org 



The World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is a Partnership of over 100
organisations and individuals in 40 countries worldwide working
collaboratively to protect cetaceans and their habitats. World Cetacean
Alliance, the Secretariat to the Partnership, is a UK registered Charity
no. 1160484.

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[MARMAM] Fall 2018 Internship Opportunity in Savannah, Georgia

[Perrtree, Robin]

Savannah State University Dolphin Sciences Laboratory (SSUDS lab) internships

The SSUDS lab is located adjacent to the marsh on the campus of Savannah State 
University in coastal Georgia.  The SSUDS lab, led by Dr. Tara Cox, studies 
spatial ecology and conservation biology of long-lived marine vertebrates, 
marine and coastal policy and management, and human interactions with marine 
mammals.  Current projects include: Human-interaction behaviors (particularly 
begging), stock structure and abundance estimates, life history indices of moms 
and calves, and genetics of common bottlenose dolphins. In addition, there may 
be an opportunity to participate in a new manatee project.

The SSUDS Lab selects volunteer interns during three seasons each year:
* Winter/Spring (positions January to May, applications due by October 1st);
* Summer (positions May to August, applications due by March 1st);
* Fall (positions August to December, applications due by June 1st).

Interns will support graduate research on common bottlenose dolphins living in 
the local waterways.  There may be additional opportunities to help other 
marine science graduate students with diverse fieldwork.

The SSUDS lab is currently accepting applications for Fall 2018 interns.
There are 2 positions available.  Application deadline is June 1st.

Dates: Aug 6 - Dec 14 (Start and end dates are flexible)
Location: Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia
Time: Interns are expected to commit to ~30 hours per week, and time will be 
split between lab and field work.  Dolphin surveys will be conducted 2 days per 
month.

Duties:
Lab duties: photo-identification, data entry and double checking
Field duties: assisting with small boat-based photo-identification surveys 
including sighting dolphins, recording data, photographing dorsal fins, and 
measuring environmental variables
Stranding response: although strandings are rare and unpredictable, you may be 
asked to help with data collection and necropsies
Class: Interns are welcome to sit in on the Coastal Zone Management course 
taught by Dr. Cox in the fall. Please note that hours spent in class do not 
count towards lab hours.

Extra Opportunities:
Local Volunteer Opportunities: Previous interns have taken advantage of their 
spare time to get involved with our network of marine science researchers in 
Georgia

1)  Other SSU Marine Science Program Labs (field and lab research on 
shrimp, flatfish, oyster restoration, marine chemistry, etc.)

2)  Tybee Island Marine Science Center (environmental education)

3)  Skidaway Institute of Oceanography

4)  GA DNR Non-game Division (cetacean, manatee, and sea turtle research)

Qualifications:

* Minimum age of 18 years old

* Currently or recently enrolled in a college-level program in marine 
biology, biology, zoology, or related field

* Strong interest in marine mammals, the environment, and conservation

* Computer proficiency, especially MS Office; MS Access and ArcGIS 
experience a plus

* Excellent verbal communication skills, fluent in English

* Enthusiastic and dedicated, with strong interpersonal skills and 
ability to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor

* Strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, and attention to detail

* Works well in a team environment as well as individually

* Ability to work long days in the sun/heat on a small boat

To apply please submit the following via email with the subject "SSUDS 
Internship" to perrtr...@savannahstate.edu. 
All attached files must be named starting with your last name (e.g. 
Lastname-SSUDS_application_spring_2018.doc, Lastname-transcript). Please 
combine your application materials into 1-2 files.


* A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position, 
how the experience will help you meet your long-term goals, and your dates of 
availability.

* A resume (or curriculum vitae) describing your relevant training and 
experience.

* Current academic transcripts (unofficial are sufficient).

* Names and contact information for two references.

International applicants will be considered, but it is the responsibility of 
the applicant to acquire necessary visas and documentation

This position is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own 
housing and transport to Savannah, GA.  If accepted, we can provide contact 
information for possible shared housing opportunities with SSU students or 
other interns.

This is a great opportunity to work with scientists and graduate students in 
the field and lab while gaining experience with photo-identification and 
boat-based marine mammal surveys.  Savannah State University offers a Master of 
Science in Marine Sciences; thus, successful interns may have future 
opportunities for graduate study in the SSUDS lab.  For more information about 
Ma

[MARMAM] New Publication: Changes in the feeding ecology of South American sea lions on the southern Brazilian

[Rodrigo Machado]

Dear colleagues,



I am pleased to announce the publication of on paper about Changes in the
feeding ecology of South American sea lions on the southern Brazilian



Machado, R. ; Oliveira, L.R.; Ott,
P.H.; Denuncio, P.; Haimovici, M.; Cardoso, L.G.; Danilewicz, D.
; Moreno, I.M.B.; Martins, M.B.
Changes in the feeding ecology of South American sea lions on the southern
Brazilian coast over the last two decades of excessive fishing exploration.
Hydrobiologia, 2018. doi.org/10.1007/s10750-018-3618-8



*Abstract:* In the last decades, an increasing fishing effort and a
decreasing trend in fish catches have been observed in southern Brazil.
Considering that marine mammals and fisheries usually compete for the same
resources, it is reasonable to presume that the feeding ecology of these
predators is affected by the current scenario. To evaluate this hypothesis,
long-term variation in the diet of the South American sea lion (Otaria
flavescens) relative to fisheries exploitation was analyzed for two periods
(1993–2003 versus 2004–2014). The degree of overlap between the relative
biomass of the sea lions’ diet and the target species of six types of local
fishery was analyzed. An increase in prey overlap between sea lions and
fisheries was observed in the more recent sampling period, along with an
increase in prey diversity, richness, and niche breadth of the sea lions’
diet. These results suggest that the overfishing scenario could partly
explain the modified feeding ecology of the sea lions. In this context, we
recommend a review and better regulation of the current fishing effort in
the region, which we believe will be an important step to maintain the fish
stocks and minimize the impact of fishing on marine top predators.





A pdf version is available at:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10750-018-3618-8

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rodrigo_Machado2







Best regards.

Rodrigo Machado
__

Prof. Colaborador: Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca, Universidade do
Estado de Santa Catarina – Udesc Laguna



Grupo de Estudos de Mamíferos Aquáticos do Rio Grande do Sul (GEMARS).

www.gemars.org.br

https://www.facebook.com/gemarsong/?fref=ts



CV Lattes:
http://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/visualizacv.do?id=K4133784E1


ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rodrigo_Machado2
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[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 Interns 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.

Interns 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
internship 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 interns 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.



*INTERNSHIP 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 internship requires a monetary contribution
which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a
non-profit. For more information on internship 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.



*INTERNS 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



*INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: *

Applicants should fill up the online application at:

www.aimmportugal.org/dolphin-research-internship

AIMM will send a confirmation e-mail with all the details about the
internship and asking for your Resume/CV, motivation letter (small
statement on which are your expectations and why do you want to work with
AIMM) and the period of time that you want do the program.

OR

Applicants should send an e-mail to: inte...@aimm-portugal.org, with the
subject “*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP*”. You will receive and 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 |



-- 

AI

[MARMAM] Job Posting

[Rosalind Rolland]

Dear Marmam Community,



Below is a job posting that may be of interest.



Career Opportunity:

Senior Scientist and Program Lead, Marine Stress and Ocean Health Program


We seek a dynamic and accomplished senior research scientist with a proven 
fundraising and publication record in the broad realm of conservation 
physiology/medicine to chair and lead the Marine Animal Stress and Ocean Health 
Program at the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, which is the research and 
conservation arm of the New England Aquarium in Boston, MA. A taxonomic 
background/focus on marine mammals is desired, given past work in this program, 
but not required. A detailed job description and online application materials 
can be found at the links below:


https://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/773290.html



https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/658572171/


Thank you,

Rosalind M. Rolland DVM
Senior Scientist
Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life
New England Aquarium
Central Wharf
Boston, MA 02110
rroll...@neaq.org



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[MARMAM] Marine Research Internships - Auckland (May 2018 onwards)

[Catherine Lea]

Marine Research Internships are available with Auckland Whale & Dolphin
Safari (www.whalewatchingauckland.com), New Zealand

Dates: Open year-round. Currently vacant full time (or 2x part-time)
positions for May-July/August 2018.

The voluntary internship is an excellent opportunity for aspiring
marine biologists
to gain fieldwork skills, on-water experience from a platform of opportunity
and public speaking experience within a successful commercial & research
operation. Research is composed of sightings data and photo-identification
data collection. Bad weather days are used for data processing and entry.

Requirements:

   -  Min. 3 months stay preferred with preference going to those who can
   stay longer (full-time or part-time volunteer hours available dependent on
   the number of successful applicants)
   - Genuine interest, education and motivation in the field of Marine
   Biology/Ecology and Conservation
   - Preferable previous experience in marine mammal observation and data
   collection
   - Experience in photo-ID desirable
   - Due to the nature of fieldwork, must be reliable,
   flexible, hardworking and patient
   - Be able to work independently and within a small team
   - Speak fluent English
   - Be sociable, enthusiastic and have a positive attitude to get on well
   with our small crew- Must be comfortable working on boats

Important: This is an unpaid, volunteer internship. Successful candidates
are responsible for all associated costs including travel, visa &
insurance, housing and food.

How to apply: Please send applications in an email titled Marine Research
Internship to Catherine Lea (c...@awads.co.nz) including your CV and a cover
letter detailing why you would like to volunteer for Auckland Whale &
Dolphin Safari, the dates you would be available and relevant experience.
Applications will be examined in order of reception.
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[MARMAM] New Southern right whale circumpolar population structure paper

[Emma Carroll]

We are pleased to announce the publication of a new manuscript on the
population structure and demographic history of southern right whales in
Heredity.

The paper is available at
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41437-018-0077-y.pdf or you can contact
the lead author for a pdf at carroll...@gmail.com

Title: Incorporating non-equilibrium dynamics into demographic history
inferences of a migratory marine species

Authors: E. L. Carroll, R. Alderman, J. L. Bannister, M. Bérubé, P. B.
Best, L. Boren, C. S. Baker, R. Constantine, K. Findlay, R. Harcourt, L.
Lemaire, P. J. Palsbøll, N. J. Patenaude, V. J. Rowntree, J. Seger,
D. Steel, L. O. Valenzuela, M. Watson, & O. E. Gaggiotti

Abstract: Understanding how dispersal and gene flow link geographically
separated the populations over evolutionary history is challenging,
particularly in migratory marine species. In southern right whales (SRWs,
Eubalaena australis), patterns of genetic diversity are likely influenced
by the glacial climate cycle and recent history of whaling. Here we use a
dataset of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences (n=1327) and nuclear markers
(17 microsatellite loci, n=222) from major wintering grounds to investigate
circumpolar population structure, historical demography and effective
population size. Analyses of nuclear genetic variation identify two
population clusters that correspond to the South Atlantic and Indo-Pacific
ocean basins that have similar effective breeder estimates. In contrast,
all wintering grounds show significant differentiation for mtDNA, but no
sex-biased dispersal was detected using the microsatellite genotypes. An
approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) approach with microsatellite markers
compared the scenarios with gene flow through time, or isolation and
secondary contact between ocean basins, while modelling declines in
abundance linked to whaling. Secondary-contact scenarios yield the highest
posterior probabilities, implying that populations in different ocean
basins were largely isolated and came into secondary contact within the
last 25,000 years, but the role of whaling in changes in genetic diversity
and gene flow over recent generations could not be resolved. We hypothesise
that these findings are driven by factors that promote isolation, such as
female philopatry, and factors that could promote dispersal, such as
oceanographic changes. These findings highlight the application of ABC
approaches to infer the connectivity in mobile species with complex
population histories and, currently, low levels of differentiation.


Emma Carroll PhD
Member of the Young Academy of Scotland
Outgoing Marie Curie Research Fellow
Scottish Oceans Institute and Sea Mammal Research Unit
University of St Andrews
Incoming Rutherford Discovery Fellow
School of Biological Sciences
University of Auckland
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[MARMAM] New publication: From Patagonia to Galapagos: Blue whale migratory pathways

[Rodrigo Hucke G.]

Dear colleagues,

My co-authors and I are pleased and excited to announce the recent publication 
of our paper:

Hucke-Gaete R, Bedriñana-Romano L, Viddi FA, Ruiz JE, Torres-Florez JP, Zerbini 
AN. (2018) From Chilean Patagonia to Galapagos, Ecuador: novel insights on blue 
whale migratory pathways along the Eastern South Pacific. PeerJ 6:e4695 
https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.4695

The article is freely available as open access here: 
https://peerj.com/articles/4695/

ABSTRACT
Background: The most traditional scheme for migration among baleen whales 
comprises yearly migrations between productive waters at high latitude summer 
feeding grounds and warmer waters at lower latitudes where whales calve and 
mate, but rarely feed. Evidence indicates, however, that large departures from 
this scheme exist among populations and individuals. Furthermore, for some 
populations there is virtually no information on migratory pathways and 
destinations. Such is the case of Chilean blue whales throughout the Eastern 
South Pacific; hence, the goal of this study was to assess its migratory 
behavior. Methods: Dedicated marine surveys and satellite tagging efforts were 
undertaken during the austral summer and early autumn on blue whale feeding 
grounds off Chilean Northern Patagonia (CNP) during 2013, 2015 and 2016. 
Positional data derived from satellite tags regarding movement patterns and 
behavior were analysed using Bayesian switching first-difference correlated 
random walk models.
Results: We instrumented 10 CNP blue whales with satellite transmitters and 
documented individual variation in departure time, northbound migratory routes 
and potential wintering grounds. The onset of migration occurred from mid/late 
austral autumn to well into the austral winter. Blue whales moved in various 
directions, but ultimately converged toward a general NW movement direction 
along a wide corridor exceeding 2,000 km. Area-Restricted Search behavior was 
exhibited within fjords and channels of CNP and also South of Galapagos 
Archipelago (GA) and northern Peru, but never during migration. Interestingly, 
dive profiles for one whale that reached GA showed a sharp and consistent 
increase in depth north of 5S and extreme deep dives of up to 330 m.
Discussion: Information derived from satellite tagged blue whales in this study 
is the first of its kind off the Eastern Southern Pacific. Our results provide 
valuable information on their migratory timing, routes and behavior on their 
northbound migration, particularly regarding the varied migratory plasticity 
for this particular population. Our results also highlight the first record of 
two complete migratory paths between CNP and GA and strengthen the hypothesis 
that GA waters correspond to a potential wintering destination for CNP blue 
whales. We further hypothesize that this area might be selected because of its 
biological productivity, which could provide feeding opportunities during the 
breeding season. Our results suggest that special efforts should be put forward 
to identify blue whale critical areas and understand key behavioral aspects in 
order to provide the basis for their conservation on a regional context (i.e., 
reducing potential ship strike and promote Marine Protected Area (MPA) 
implementation in Chile, Ecuador and Peru). Indeed, we suggest joint blue whale 
conservation efforts at the regional level in order to identify and determine 
potential threats and impacts and, most importantly, implement prospective 
management actions.

With kind regards,

Dr. Rodrigo Hucke-Gaete
Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas,
Universidad Austral de Chile,
Campus isla Teja, 509, Valdivia, Chile.
www.icml.uach.cl

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[MARMAM] New Publication on Humpback Whale Pregnancy in Antarctica

[Logan Pallin]

Dear colleagues,

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our recent publication in the
Journal of Royal Society Open Science:

Pallin LJ, Baker CS, Steel D, Kellar NM, Robbins J, Johnston DW, Nowacek
DP, Read AJ, Friedlaender AS. 2018 High pregnancy rates in humpback whales
(Megaptera novaeangliae) around the Western Antarctic Peninsula, evidence
of a rapidly growing population.R. Soc. open sci.5: 180017.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.180017

The article is available online at:
http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/5/5/180017

Abstract:
Antarctic humpback whales are recovering from near extirpation from
commercial whaling. To understand the dynamics of this recovery and
establish a baseline to monitor impacts of a rapidly changing environment,
we investigated sex ratios and pregnancy rates of females within the
Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) feeding population. DNA profiling of 577
tissue samples (2010–2016) identified 239 males and 268 females. Blubber
progesterone levels indicated 63.5% of the females biopsied were pregnant.
This proportion varied significantly across years, from 36% in 2010 to 86%
in 2014. A comparison of samples collected in summer versus fall showed
significant increases in the proportion of females present (50% to 59%) and
pregnant (59% to 72%), consistent with demographic variation in migratory
timing. We also found evidence of annual reproduction among females; 54.5%
of females accompanied by a calf were pregnant. These high pregnancy rates
are consistent with a population recovering from past exploitation, but
appear inconsistent with recent estimates of WAP humpback population
growth. Thus, our results will help to better understand population growth
potential and set a current baseline from which to determine the impact of
climate change and variability on fecundity and reproductive rates.


cheers,

Logan Pallin

*Logan J. Pallin *| PhD Student
NSF Graduate Research Fellow
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of California, Santa Cruz
Bio-Telemetry & Behavioral Ecology Lab 
lpal...@ucsc.edu | (218) 591-0615
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[MARMAM] New publication: Mercury and stable isotope cycles in baleen plates of bowhead whales

[Corinne Pomerleau]

Dear all,

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of a new article:

Pomerleau C., Matthews C.J.D., Gobeil C., Stern G.A., Ferguson S.H., Macdonald 
R.W. (2018). Mercury and stable isotope cycles in baleen plates are consistent 
with year-round feeding in two bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) populations. 
Polar Biology. doi: 10.1007/s00300-018-2329-y

ABSTRACT: Previous studies have demonstrated that the analysis of 
biogeochemical tracers along baleen can provide seasonal, annual, and longer 
term insights into whale movements, habitat use, diet, and ecosystem processes. 
We measured the mercury (Hg) concentration and stable carbon (δ¹³C) and 
nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) isotope compositions along baleen plates of bowhead whales 
(Balaena mysticetus) harvested between 1988 and 1996 from the 
Bering–Chukchi–Beaufort (BCB) and the Eastern Canada–West Greenland (EC–WG) 
populations. These measurements were compared among individuals and between 
populations to assess seasonal cycling and to determine if bowhead whales 
forage year-round rather than fasting in winter. Individuals from the BCB 
population had synchronous cycles with higher Hg concentrations and lower δ¹³C 
values in summer and lower Hg concentrations and higher δ¹³C values in winter. 
EC–WG individuals also had synchronized periodic variations with peak values in 
isotopic ratios during summer. These results reflect an annual cycle of 
seasonal migration between distinct food webs in both populations. Spring and 
fall feeding activity was indicated in the intra-annual Hg and δ¹³C cycles 
along the baleen plates of all whales in our study. These shorter periods, 
spanning about half the annual growth, have not been previously described in 
the baleen of these populations, and are consistent with separate foraging 
areas along the migration routes. The results of this study provide further 
support for year-round foraging in a species previously thought to fast during 
winter. Future monitoring of seasonal foraging patterns in baleen would help to 
determine whether bowhead whales alter their foraging patterns in response to 
shifts in zooplankton community availability, composition, and phenology.

A pdf version is available at: 
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-018-2329-y

Best regards.

Corinne Pomerleau, Ph.D.
corinne.pomerl...@umanitoba.ca


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