[MARMAM] New publication: evidence of link between marine mammal phylogeny and skin microbiota

[Amy Van Cise]

Dear MARMAM,

On behalf of my co-authors, I'm happy to announce the publication of our
new paper, available at RSOS
:

Apprill A, Miller C, Van Cise A, U’Ren JM, Leslie MS, Weber L, Baird RW,
Robbins J, Landry S, Niemeyer M, Rose K, Bogomolni A, Waring G. 2020.
Marine mammal skin microbiotas are influenced by host phylogeny. Royal
Society of Open Science. 7: 192046. doi.org/10.1098/rsos.192046

*Abstract*: Skin-associated microorganisms have been shown to play a role
in immune function and disease of humans, but are understudied in marine
mammals, a diverse animal group that serve as sentinels of ocean health. We
examined the microbiota associated with 75 epidermal samples
opportunistically collected from nine species within four marine mammal
families, including: Balaenopteridae (sei and fin whales), Phocidae
(harbour seal), Physeteridae (sperm whales) and Delphinidae (bottlenose
dolphins, pantropical spotted dolphins, rough-toothed dolphins,
short-finned pilot whales and melon-headed whales). The skin was sampled
from free-ranging animals in Hawai‘i (Pacific Ocean) and off the east coast
of the United States (Atlantic Ocean), and the composition of the bacterial
community was examined using the sequencing of partial small subunit (SSU)
ribosomal RNA genes. Skin microbiotas were significantly different among
host species and taxonomic families, and microbial community distance was
positively correlated with mitochondrial-based host genetic divergence. The
oceanic location could play a role in skin microbiota variation, but skin
from species sampled in both locations is necessary to determine this
influence. These data suggest that a phylosymbiotic relationship may exist
between microbiota and their marine mammal hosts, potentially providing
specific health and immune-related functions that contribute to the success
of these animals in diverse ocean ecosystems.

The paper is open access and can be downloaded from RSOS
, but please
feel free to reach out to myself or the primary author, Amy Apprill (
aappr...@whoi.edu), with any questions you may have.

Warm regards,
Amy Van Cise

<*)))><  <*)))><  <*)))><  <*)))><  <*)))><  <*)))><  <*)))><  <*)))><
Amy M. Van Cise, Ph.D.
Research Biologist, Cascadia Research Collective

Guest Investigator, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution


218 1/2 4th Ave W
Olympia, WA 98501
https://amyvancise.weebly.com/ 
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[MARMAM] Short review of whale carcass behavior

[Michael Moore]

Please see the Open Access paper Moore MJ, Mitchell GH, Rowles TK, Early 
G (2020) Dead Cetacean? Beach, Bloat, Float, Sink. Frontiers in Marine 
Science


https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.00333

Abstract: Variably buoyant, dead Cetacea may float, or sink and later 
bloat to refloat if ambient temperature and pressure allow sufficient 
decomposition gas formation and expansion. Mortality can result from 
acute or chronic disease, fishery entanglement, vessel collision, 
noxious noises, or toxicant spills. Investigators often face the 
daunting task of elucidating a complex series of events, in reverse 
order, from when and where an animal is found, and to diagnose the cause 
of death. Various scenarios are possible: an animal could die at sea 
remaining there or floating ashore, or strand on a beach alive, where it 
dies and, if cast high enough, remain beached to be scavenged or 
decompose. An animal that rests low on a beach may refloat again, 
through increased buoyancy from decomposition gas and favorable tides, 
currents, and wind. Here we review the factors responsible for the 
different outcomes, and how to recognize the provenance of a cetacean 
mortality found beached, or floating at sea. In conclusion, only some 
carcasses strand, or remain floating. Negatively buoyant animals that 
die at depth, or on the surface, and sink, may never surface, even after 
decomposition gas accumulation, as in cold, deep waters gas may fail to 
adequately reduce the density of a carcass, precluding it from returning 
to the surface.



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[MARMAM] Greece Cetacean Research Micro-Internships Summer 2020

[Κimonas Koemtzopoulos]

Dear All,

On behalf of MOm/ Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk
Seal I am pleased to announce that we are currently accepting applications
for our summer 2019 research season of the Northern Aegean Dolphin Project.

The project takes place in the pristine National Marine Park of Alonissos,
Northern Sporades and focuses on the photo-identification and behavioural
data collection for the populations of Striped Dolphins (*Stenella
coeruleoalba*), Common Dolphins (*Delphinus delphis*) and Bottlenose
Dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) regularly found in the area as well as the
occasional encounter with Cuvier’s Beaked Whales (*Ziphius cavirostris*)
and Risso’s Dolphins (*Grampus griseus*).

*Location*: National Marine Park of Alonissos, Northern Sporades -
Alonissos, Greece

*Dates*:  29 June – 6 September 2020

*Duration*: Minimum 1 Week

*You will*:

-  Receive Training and Experience in marine mammal research methods

-  Participate in daily boat-based research expeditions
(weather-dependent)

-  Participate in data collection and data analysis (Behavioural
data, Photo-ID)

-  Learn about cetacean biology, ecology and conservation

-  Actively contribute to marine conservation in a Marine Protected
Area

-  Experience life on a beautiful Greek Island in a pristine Marine
Protected Area in Europe.



*Requirements*: No previous experience is required. All you need is an
interest in Cetacean biology, ecology and conservation and a positive
attitude.

Joining one of our weekly expeditions requires a *participation fee* which
covers shared accommodation (*COVID 19 Note: Only co-travellers will be
sharing a room*), two meals/day, training/lessons and part of the
operational costs of the project.

*How to Participate*:  To participate in the Northern Aegean Dolphin
Project please visit: www.northernaegeandolphinproject.com   or send an
email to d.tsiaka...@mom.gr

For information on MOm please visit: www.mom.gr

For reviews of the experience by previous participants please visit our
facebook page:

www.facebook.com/mom.gr



*COVID19 Health Safety Notes: *

- Greece has been very effective with handling the pandemic with the lowest
cases/mil population in Europe

- Only co-travellers will be sharing a room

- The research vessel is large and direct physical contact and close
proximity can be avoided at all times

- Most project activities are outdoors. During indoors activities (photo-ID
analysis which requires a computer) all precautions will be taken and
regulations followed (e.g. undertaken in pairs), lessons will take place
outdoors.

- The island where the project takes place has had no COVID19 cases to date
and its population density is low even during the touristic season

Our warmest wishes to all during these trying times.

Κίμων Κοεμτζόπουλος - *Βιολόγος MSc*

*MOm/Εταιρεία Μελέτης & Προστασίας Μεσογειακής Φώκιας*

Kimon Koemtzopoulos - *Biologist MSc*

*MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study & Protection of the Monk Seal*

www.mom.gr

i...@mom.gr

T:   0030 *2105222888*

M: 0030 *6937580071*
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[MARMAM] Funded PhD position available at the Centre for Marine Science and Technology, Curtin University, Perth, Australia

[Rebecca Wellard]

Funded PhD position available at the Centre for Marine Science and Technology, 
Curtin University, Perth, Australia


We are seeking a PhD student to work on a marine acoustic habitat model for 
Australia’s Northwest Shelf.

There are 9 species of baleen whales that annually migrate to the NW Shelf and 
18 species of toothed whales. This region has experienced strong industrial 
(mostly oil & gas) development over the years. CMST has >50 1-year datasets of 
underwater acoustic recordings from Western Australia, collected over 20 years. 
This dataset provides a unique record of the marine soundscape, marine fauna 
(fish spawning choruses, migrating whale song), anthropogenic operations 
(shipping, oil & gas), ocean weather (wind, storms), and changes over time. We 
are synthesising the lot to build an acoustic habitat model for the NW Shelf.

The process includes various steps: 1) Building a library of acoustic 
detectors. 2) Building a database of acoustic detections (by species, noise 
source, location and time). 3) Sourcing environmental covariates. 4) Exploring 
spatial and temporal correlations and dependencies. 5) Building the habitat 
model. 6) Applying the model to answer acoustic ecological questions (incl. the 
effects of noise).

In discussion with the PhD student, this thesis can contribute to any of the 
above steps and focus on one or more species and sites to study specific 
acoustic ecological questions. While all the data is available, there might be 
opportunities for fieldwork, if desired.

Supervisors: Professor Christine Erbe, Assoc Professor Robert McCauley.

Applications close 30 June 2020. Enrolment and project start: 1 August 2020. A 
PhD stipend (28,000 AUD/year, indexed annually) is available at CMST for the 
successful applicant. Eligibility: Australian permanent residents and citizens, 
New Zealand citizens, permanent humanitarian visa holders. The successful 
applicant will be expected to start as soon as is convenient, but by 1 
September 2020 the latest.

Information about research conducted at CMST can be found at 
http://cmst.curtin.edu.au/

Please send a letter stating why you are interested in this PhD position and 
outlining your relevant experience, along with your CV and one reference 
letter, to direc...@cmst.curtin.edu.au



Rebecca Wellard

Centre for Marine Science and Technology

Department of Physics

Curtin University
Tel | +61 8 9266 1782
Email | 
rebecca.well...@curtin.edu.au
Web | www.projectorca.com.au

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[MARMAM] Marine Mammal Observers Needed for Falkland Islands

[Amy Whitt]

*Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) for Falkland Islands*



MMOs will be deployed on bottom trawl vessels in the Falkland Islands
Loligo squid fishery.  They will be fishing in the Southwest Atlantic.  The
main role of the MMO on each vessel will be to conduct observations to
estimate seal abundance per species and describe seal-fishing gear
interactions. Additionally, MMO duties will include sampling Loligo catches
on a daily basis for biometrics, monitoring the performance of bird scaring
lines (BSL), documenting seabird mortality, and weighing and measuring
samples of juvenile toothfish.  Work will begin approximately mid July 2020
in the Falkland Islands.  There will be two seasons of 68 days each (64
continuous days at sea for each season). The second season will be in
February 2021.  Additional cruises in the following years may be an
option.  Although 64 continuous days at sea are expected during each
season, short transshipment port calls may occur.



*Duties*

· Monitor at least three trawls per day (i.e., shooting and
hauling) and record seal abundance, their

interactions with fishing gear, live escapees, live releases and incidental
mortalities

· Real-time reporting of seal bycatch.  Carcass sampling or
measurement and marking

· Complete two excel data sheet forms on a daily basis and send the
files to the client three times per week (laptop computer and internet will
be provided onboard the vessel)

· Record details from fishing activity: shoot, turn, and haul times
and positions, commercial catch and

bycatch (provided by the vessel/logbook)

· Monitor Seal Exclusions Devices (SED) and BSL type and
maintenance, net cleaning and discard management

· Daily monitor and record seabird interactions with fishing gear
during seal observations

· Record seabird mortalities and reveal their possible causes;
collect and preserve all carcasses if

required

· Daily measure 100 Loligo specimens and weigh the entire squid
sample

· Daily weigh all identifiable toothfish bycatch and measure total
length of an accumulated number of

100 specimens per week



*Requirements*

· University degree, minimum a BSc in Biology/Marine
Sciences/Fisheries or a related field

· A minimum of 100 days of MMO experience at sea

· High level of written and spoken English

· Medium level of Spanish language. Conversational Spanish is
accepted. Non-native speakers should provide proof of studies.

· Valid ENG1 or an equivalent that is of an IMO (International
Maritime Organisation) standard

· Valid STCW sea survival certificate. BOSIET certificate is also
accepted.

· Valid passport and the ability to travel overseas

· The ability to pass a medical physical and spend at least 64
continuous days at sea

· Be open to diverse food options served at sea

· You can commit to 68 days of continuous work beginning on or
around 27 July 2020

· Provide your own raingear, boots, gloves and personal items for
deployment

· Provide your own cell phone with international calling plan and
WhatsApp



Please send your resume and cover letter as soon as possible to
a...@azuraco.com.  In your resume, please describe how you meet all of the
requirements listed above and list contact information for three references
who can attest to your previous work experience.  In your cover letter,
please describe why you would be a good fit for this job, any work/travel
overseas, and your work on boats as an MMO.  If you have questions, please
email them to a...@azuraco.com.


If you do not meet ALL of the requirements, please do not apply.
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[MARMAM] New publication: Life history and social structure as drivers of persistent organic pollutant levels and stable isotopes in Hawaiian false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens)

[Michaela Kratofil]

Dear Colleagues,

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following 
paper in Science of the Total Environment:

Kratofil MA, Ylitalo GM, Mahaffy SD, West KL, and Baird RW. 2020. Life history 
and social structure as drivers of persistent organic pollutant levels and 
stable isotopes in Hawaiian false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens). Science 
of the Total Environment 733:138880. 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138880

ABSTRACT: False killer whales are long-lived, slow to mature, apex predators, 
and therefore susceptible to bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants 
(POPs). Hawaiian waters are home to three distinct populations: pelagic; 
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) insular; and main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) 
insular. Following a precipitous decline over recent decades, the MHI 
population was listed as “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act in 2012. 
This study assesses the risk of POP exposure to these populations by examining 
pollutant concentrations and ratios from blubber samples (n = 56) related to 
life history characteristics and MHI social clusters. Samples were analyzed for 
PCBs, DDTs, PBDEs, and some organochlorine pesticides. Skin samples (n = 52) 
were analyzed for stable isotopes δ13C and δ15N to gain insight into MHI false 
killer whale foraging ecology. Pollutant levels were similar among populations, 
although MHI whales had a significantly higher mean ratio of DDTs/PCBs than 
NWHI whales. The ∑PCB concentrations of 28 MHI individuals (68%) sampled were 
equal to or greater than suggested thresholds for deleterious health effects in 
marine mammals. The highest POP values among our samples were found in four 
stranded MHI animals. Eight of 24 MHI adult females have not been documented to 
have given birth; whether they have yet to reproduce, are reproductive 
senescent, or are experiencing reproductive dysfunction related to high POP 
exposure is unknown. Juvenile/sub-adults had significantly higher 
concentrations of certain contaminants than those measured in adults, and may 
be at greater risk of negative health effects during development. Multivariate 
analyses, POP ratios, and stable isotope ratios indicate varying risk of POP 
exposure, foraging locations and potentially prey items among MHI social 
clusters. Our findings provide invaluable insight into the ongoing risk POPs 
pose to the MHI population’s viability, as well as consideration of risk for 
the NWHI and pelagic stocks.

A link to the full article available from the publisher for the next 50 days:
https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1b5bwB8ccoD%7E6
For more information on our Hawai’i research see 
https://www.cascadiaresearch.org/projects/hawaii
Best regards,


Michaela Kratofil
Research Biologist
Cascadia Research Collective
218 ½ W. 4th Ave
Olympia, WA 98502

michaela-kratofil.com

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[MARMAM] Sealcentre Pieterburen Vet Internships 2020 & 2021

[Ana Rubio García | Zeehondencentrum]

Dear all,

We are pleased to announce:

VETERINARY DEPARTMENT INTERNSHIP – SEALCENTRE PIETERBUREN

The Sealcentre Pieterburen, the Netherlands, has an exciting opportunity
for two Veterinary
Interns to work in our Veterinary and Seal Care Departments. Both positions
last one year,
one is scheduled to start in October 2020, and the other in April 2021.
Previous marine
mammal or wildlife experience is a plus. The Sealcentre’s Veterinary
Department includes
two full time veterinarians and two veterinary interns. We are looking for
a highly motivated
and dynamic candidate who will join our team and will work closely in a
team setting with
staff and volunteers to assist with all aspects of veterinary care and
husbandry of sick and
injured seals. Other responsibilities include but are not limited to: daily
care of animals,
transport of live/dead marine animals, maintenance of daily nutritional and
medical records,
sampling for various research projects, and data entry. Additional duties
and projects may
be assigned by staff.
The interns must be veterinarians or veterinary students. They are required
to find their own
transportation to Pieterburen and we provide housing (gas, electricity,
water and internet
included), meals, and health insurance. These positions are unpaid. The
interns should
expect to be scheduled to cover a variety of shifts including weekdays,
nights, weekends,
and holidays. The ideal candidate should be mature and motivated, and
possess a strong
work ethic and excellent observational and communication skills (a fluent
English level is
required). Due to Visa requirements we are currently only able to accept
applicants with a
European passport.
The deadline for applications is June 30th 2020. Interested applicants
should submit a copy
of the CV, an intention letter, and two recommendation letters. Note that
the application
materials should be in English. Applications and questions should be
submitted to
v...@zeehondencentrum.nl indicating in the subject VETERINARY INTERN
2020/2021.
For more information about the Sealcentre Pieterburen visit
www.zeehondencentrum.nl



*Ana Rubio García*
*Head of the Veterinary & Research Department*
Mobile phone: +31 (0)6 12 981154
Email: ana.rubiogar...@zeehondencentrum.nl

Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen. Healthy sea, happy seal.



Hoofdstraat 94a

9968 AG Pieterburen

T +31 (0)595 526 526

E: i...@zeehondencentrum.nl

I: www.zeehondencentrum.nl



[image: cid:image004.jpg@01D1D2D4.6A844C90]



P Please consider the environment. Think before printing.
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[MARMAM] New publication on Sperm whales vocal clans in the western Atlantic Ocean (Thiago Amorim)

[Thiago Amorim]

Dear colleagues,

On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of our
new paper in Deep-Sea Research Part I:

Amorim TOS, Rendell L, Di Tullio J, Secchi ER, Castro FR, Andriolo A.
2020. Coda repertoire and vocal clans of sperm whales in the western
Atlantic Ocean. Deep Sea Research Part I, 160, 103254.

Abstract
Sperm whales live in culture-based multilevel societies in which the
fundamental social level is the nearly permanent social unit of females and
immature individuals, and the largest level is the clan constituted by
social units that share a common coda repertoire. This study describes the
coda repertoire and vocal clans of sperm whales in Brazilian waters
recorded between 2011 and 2016. Inter-click intervals of codas were used to
quantify similarity between repertoires. The analysis showed two evident
clans, in the north and the south, distinct in their repertoires. The clan
of the north, termed the “5R” clan, presented a predominant production of
codas containing five regularly spaced clicks, not found in the clan of the
south, termed “D” clan, which repertoire was dominated by long codas with
10–13 clicks with descending inter-click intervals. Codas with five
regularly spaced clicks with the same rhythm and tempo as those found in
the “5R” clan of Brazil are also predominant in sperm whales recorded in
the Island of Dominica, at a distance of approximately 2700 km from the
north of Brazil, which corresponds to the extension of the areas of
sympatric clans. The sharing of 5R type by the both distinct clans is
likely the result of cultural transmission in which conformism through
social learning homogenizes coda repertoire. The results of this study
corroborated the hypothesis that social boundaries, here the clan level,
are maintained by cultural identities.

Available at:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S096706372030042X
Alternatively, please feel free to email me to get a PDF copy.

Best,
Thiago Amorim
***
Laboratory of Behavioral Ecology and Bioacoustics - LABEC
Postdoctoral fellow at Graduate Program in Biological Sciences (Zoology):
Animal Behavior and Biology - UFJF
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[MARMAM] New Publication

[Adam Frankel]

We are pleased to announce the publication of our paper in Marine Mammal 
Science:

Gray whales hear and respond to signals from a 21–25 kHz active sonar
Adam S. Frankel and Peter J. Stein

Shore‐based theodolite tracking of eastern gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) 
movements was conducted to test for potential whale responses to a 
high‐frequency sonar system. Southbound migrating whales were observed from two 
California shore observation stations as the whales swam past the source vessel 
that was moored in their migration path. The sonar transducer was deployed from 
the vessel during all observations, broadcasting 21–25 kHz sweeps for half of 
each day, the other half remaining silent. The order of control and 
experimental periods was randomized. No readily apparent response to sonar 
transmissions was observed in the field or in the visual data. Statistical 
analysis of tracking data indicates that, compared to control data, gray whales 
deflected inshore at ranges of 1–2 km from the vessel during sonar 
transmissions at a received sound pressure level of approximately 148 dB re 1 
μPa2 (134 dB re 1 μPa2s). These data suggest that the functional hearing 
sensitivity of gray whales extends to at least 21 kHz.

The paper is available at:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10./mms.12700

or PDFs can be requested from adam.fran...@marineacoustics.com

Mahalo,
adam





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