[MARMAM] New publication on large whale strandings on the US East Coast
Dear colleagues, My coauthor and I are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper “Evaluating drivers of recent large whale strandings on the East Coast of the United States" Thorne LH and Wiley DN. 2024. Evaluating drivers of recent large whale strandings on the East Coast of the United States. Conservation Biology. http://doi.org/10./cobi.14302 Abstract: Anthropogenic stressors threaten large whales globally. Effective management requires an understanding of where, when, and why threats are occurring. Strandings data provide key information on geographic hotspots of risk and the relative importance of various threats. There is currently considerable public interest in the increased frequency of large whale strandings occurring along the US East Coast of the United States since 2016. Interest is accentuated due to a purported link with offshore wind energy development. We reviewed spatiotemporal patterns of strandings, mortalities, and serious injuries of humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*), the species most frequently involved, for which the US government has declared an “unusual mortality event” (UME). Our analysis highlights the role of vessel strikes, exacerbated by recent changes in humpback whale distribution and vessel traffic. Humpback whales have expanded into new foraging grounds in recent years. Mortalities due to vessel strikes have increased significantly in these newly occupied regions, which show high vessel traffic that also increased markedly during the UME. Surface feeding and feeding in shallow waters may have been contributing factors. We found no evidence that offshore wind development contributed to strandings or mortalities. This work highlights the need to consider behavioral, ecological, and anthropogenic factors to determine the drivers of mortality and serious injury in large whales and to provide informed guidance to decision-makers. The paper can be accessed at the following link: https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10./cobi.14302 Best, Lesley .. *Lesley Thorne* *Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Research* *School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences* *Stony Brook University* Office: 631.632.5117 www.thornelab.com <http://www.thornelab.com> [image: Stony Brook University logo] <http://www.stonybrook.edu/> ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] 2 Postdoc/ Senior Postdoc Positions at Stony Brook University in New York
Dear colleagues, We're hiring two postdocs for marine mammal-focused research at Stony Brook University in New York. Both can be either at the post doc or senior postdoc level: 1. A postdoc focused on predator-prey interactions and bioenergetics in the context of climate change. https://stonybrooku.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=2300377=GMT-05%3A00=America%2FNew_York Required Qualifications (as evidenced by an attached resume): Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in hand by June 2023. Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in biology, ecology, oceanography, fisheries science or a closely related field in hand by June 2023. Demonstrated quantitative modeling skills. Experience working with ecological datasets. Strong publication record. Knowledge of bioenergies. Brief Description of Duties: The Postdoctoral Associate will conduct research in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS) <https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/somas/> under the supervision of Principal Investigators, Drs.Lesley Thorne <http://www.thornelab.com> and Janet Nye <https://you.stonybrook.edu/somas/people/faculty/janet-nye/>, and will collaborate with a transdisciplinary team of ecologists and oceanographers. The selected candidate will lead analyses and manuscripts focused on predator-prey interactions and bioenergetics in the context of climate change. The incumbent will model the effects of changing forage species on marine predators with a focus on the New York Bight. Successful candidates will have strong verbal and written communication skills, and have experience working collaboratively as part of a diverse research team. 2. A postdoc focused on biophysical interactions and passive acoustic observations of large whales from ocean gliders. https://stonybrooku.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=2300455=GMT-05%3A00=America%2FNew_York Required Qualifications (as evidenced by an attached resume): Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in hand by June 2023. Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in biology, ecology, oceanography or a closely related field in hand by June 2023. Demonstrated quantitative modeling skills. Experience working with oceanographic or ecological datasets. Experience conducting marine field studies. Familiarity with passive acoustic observations of cetaceans. Familiarity with glider operations or hydrographic surveys. Brief Description of Duties: The Postdoctoral Associate will conduct research in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences <https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/somas/> under the supervision of Principal Investigator, Dr. Lesley Thorne <http://www.thornelab.com> and Drs. Jack McSweeney <https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/somas/people/_profiles/jack-mcsweeney.php>, Charles Flagg <https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/somas/people/_profiles/charles-flagg.php>, and Joseph Warren <https://www.stonybrook.edu/experts/profile/joseph-warren>. The selected candidate will conduct analysis and produce manuscripts focused on biophysical interactions and passive acoustic observations of large whales from ocean gliders. The incumbent will support glider operations monitoring oceanographic and biological conditions in the Mid-Atlantic Bight. The successful candidate will experience working collaboratively as part of a diverse research team. Closing date for both is March 26. Contact lesley.tho...@stonybrook.edu with any questions Best, Lesley ________ Lesley Thorne, Associate Professor School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000 631.632.5117 www.thornelab.com ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Research Associate Position at Stony Brook University
Dear colleagues, We are hiring a Research Associate to lead marine mammal and seabird field studies and contribute to related studies as part of a long-term monitoring program in the New York Bight: Brief Description of Duties: The Research Associate will be directly engaged in sponsored research under the auspices of Principal Investigator, Dr. Lesley Thorne. The incumbent will lead and coordinate line transect surveys of seabirds and unoccupied aerial system (UAS) surveys of large whales in the New York Bight. Candidates will be working collaboratively with a transdisciplinary, dynamic, and diverse research team consisting of ecologists and oceanographers. Strong written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a research team are essential in order to be successful in this role. Required Qualifications: - Master’s degree (foreign equivalent or higher) in Biology, Ecology, Oceanography, Fisheries Science, or related field. - Working knowledge of seabird identification. - Experience conducting field studies on boats. - Experience conducting quantitative analyses. - Must have, keep and maintain the appropriate valid NYS Driver’s License; have a motor vehicle record which is free from major violations or a pattern of repeat violations. (***Out-of-State Applicants, see "Special Notes”). Preferred Qualifications: - Experience operating a small research vessel. - Experience working with, and maintaining large datasets. - Experience conducting line transect surveys. - Experience flying unoccupied aerial systems (UAS, or drones). For further information or to apply for this position online, please visit Stony Brook Jobs: https://stonybrooku.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=2300223=GMT-05%3A00=America%2FNew_York or contact Lesley Thorne (lesley.tho...@stonybrook.edu) with any questions Lesley Thorne, Associate Professor School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000 631.632.5117 www.thornelab.com ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] New publication: Trait-mediated shifts and climate velocity decouple an endothermic marine predator and its ectothermic prey
Dear colleagues, My co-author and I are pleased to share our new paper examining distributional shifts in long-finned pilot whales and their prey: Thorne, L.H. and Nye, J.A., 2021. Trait-mediated shifts and climate velocity decouple an endothermic marine predator and its ectothermic prey. *Scientific Reports*, *11*(1), pp.1-14. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-97318-z Abstract: Climate change is redistributing biodiversity globally and distributional shifts have been found to follow local climate velocities. It is largely assumed that marine endotherms such as cetaceans might shift more slowly than ectotherms in response to warming and would primarily follow changes in prey, but distributional shifts in cetaceans are difficult to quantify. Here we use data from fisheries bycatch and strandings to examine changes in the distribution of long-finned pilot whales (*Globicephala melas*), and assess shifts in pilot whales and their prey relative to climate velocity in a rapidly warming region of the Northwest Atlantic. We found a poleward shift in pilot whale distribution that exceeded climate velocity and occurred at more than three times the rate of fish and invertebrate prey species. Fish and invertebrates shifted at rates equal to or slower than expected based on climate velocity, with more slowly shifting species moving to deeper waters. We suggest that traits such as mobility, diet specialization, and thermoregulatory strategy are central to understanding and anticipating range shifts. Our findings highlight the potential for trait-mediated climate shifts to decouple relationships between endothermic cetaceans and their ectothermic prey, which has important implications for marine food web dynamics and ecosystem stability. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-97318-z Best, Lesley Lesley Thorne, Assistant Professor School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000 631.632.5117 www.thornelab.com ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Marine mammal technician position at Stony Brook University
We are seeking an Instructional Support Technician to lead marine mammal line transect and photo-ID surveys in the New York Bight. Brief Description of Duties: The SoMAS Instructional Support Technician provides scientific support for offshore monitoring surveys and research cruises in the New York Bight. Duties will include: - Leading line transect surveys for marine mammals in offshore waters of the New York Bight. - Performing statistical analyses on gathered data and samples, ensuring quality quality control of processes and materials used. - Working with a transdisciplinary team of ecologists and physical and chemical oceanographers during field work and analysis. - Project planning and participation in field research programs and oceanographic cruises, including sample collection, setting up equipment and materials. - Organizing and analyzing data related to marine mammal abundance and distribution from research cruises. - Preparing progress and final reports for funded activities. - Presenting research results and programmatic results for sponsors, the public, at conferences and to the NYSDEC. - Other duties or projects as assigned as appropriate to rank and departmental mission. Required Qualifications (evidenced by an attached resume): Bachelor’s Degree in biology, ecology, oceanography, fisheries science or a related field. Two (2) years of full-time experience conducting marine mammal surveys or research. Experience conducting line transect surveys. Marine mammal identification skills. Experience surveying marine mammals. Marine mammal photo-ID experience. Preferred Qualifications: Master's of Science in biology, ecology, oceanography, fisheries science or a related field. Boat operating experience. Experience creating and working with databases. Experience working with ArcGIS. Experience writing formal reports and/or publications. For further information or to apply for this position online, please visit Stony Brook Jobs and reference positing 1803867 (link below). Contact Dr. Lesley Thorne (lesley.tho...@stonybrook.edu) with any questions. https://stonybrooku.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=1803867=GMT-05%3A00 Lesley Thorne, Assistant Professor School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000 631.632.5117 www.thornelab.com ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Tenure Track Faculty Position in Marine Conservation Ecology at Stony Brook University
Tenure Track Faculty Position in Marine Conservation Ecology The School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS) at Stony Brook University invites applications for a tenure track faculty position in marine conservation ecology to begin as early as Fall 2016. We are especially interested in candidates who utilize innovative quantitative approaches in an area such as systems ecology and modeling, molecular genetics, resource management, fisheries ecology, population and community dynamics, ecotoxicology, or statistical modeling. Successful candidates are expected to develop an independent externally funded research program, to teach and direct research at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and participate in school and university services. All candidates must have a Ph.D. in a field related to conservation ecology and have demonstrated excellence in research and a strong commitment to teaching. The position will be filled at the Assistant Professor level. Review of applications will begin April 15, 2016, but applications will be considered until the position is filled. Application instructions, detailed procedures, and further information about the position and SoMAS can be found at http://www.somas.stonybrook.edu/jobs/ Lesley Thorne, Assistant Professor School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000 631.632.5117 www.thornelab.com ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] New paper on spinner dolphin resting habitat
Dear Colleagues, You might be interested in the following paper that my co-authors and I recently published in PLoS ONE: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0043167 Predictive Modeling of Spinner Dolphin (*Stenella longirostris*) Resting Habitat in the Main Hawaiian Islands Lesley H. Thorne, David W. Johnston, Dean L. Urban, Julian Tyne, Lars Bejder, Robin W. Baird, Suzanne Yin, Susan H. Rickards, Mark H. Deakos, Joseph R. Mobley Jr., Adam A. Pack, Marie Chapla Hill Abstract: Predictive habitat models can provide critical information that is necessary in many conservation applications. Using Maximum Entropy modeling, we characterized habitat relationships and generated spatial predictions of spinner dolphin (*Stenella longirostris*) resting habitat in the main Hawaiian Islands. Spinner dolphins in Hawai'i exhibit predictable daily movements, using inshore bays as resting habitat during daylight hours and foraging in offshore waters at night. There are growing concerns regarding the effects of human activities on spinner dolphins resting in coastal areas. However, the environmental factors that define suitable resting habitat remain unclear and must be assessed and quantified in order to properly address interactions between humans and spinner dolphins. We used a series of dolphin sightings from recent surveys in the main Hawaiian Islands and a suite of environmental variables hypothesized as being important to resting habitat to model spinner dolphin resting habitat. The model performed well in predicting resting habitat and indicated that proximity to deep water foraging areas, depth, the proportion of bays with shallow depths, and rugosity were important predictors of spinner dolphin habitat. Predicted locations of suitable spinner dolphin resting habitat provided in this study indicate areas where future survey efforts should be focused and highlight potential areas of conflict with human activities. This study provides an example of a presence-only habitat model used to inform the management of a species for which patterns of habitat availability are poorly understood. Best, Lesley -- __ Lesley Thorne, PhD Lecturer, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Stony Brook University Stony brook, NY 11794-5 631.632.5117 lesley.tho...@stonybrook.edu** lesley.tho...@stonybrook.edu ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
