[MARMAM] New publication: Evidence of Type A-like killer whale predating on marine mammals in Atacama Desert Coast

2022-09-19 Thread Ana M Garcia Cegarra
Dear marmam community, I am pleased to announce my recent publication
in Aquatic Mammals.

García-Cegarra, A.M. 2022. Evidence of Type A-like killer whales (*Orcinus
orca*) predating on marine mammals along the Atacama Desert coast,
Chile. *Aquatic
Mammals  * 2, 48(5), 436-448, DOI 10.1578/AM.48.5.2022.436


*Abstract *
Killer whales (*Orcinus orca*) are marine apex predators distributed across
the world’s oceans. In the last 40 years, researchers have increasingly
differentiated killer whales into ecotypes based on genetics, morphology,
behaviour, acoustic repertoire, habitat, and trophic ecology. While killer
whale ecotypes in the Northern Hemisphere are well studied, the recognition
of distinct killer whale forms in the Southern Hemisphere is mainly limited
to Antarctic waters. Although present in less studied regions, such as
along the Atacama Desert coast in the Southeast Pacific Ocean, limited
information is available regarding their biology or trophic ecology.
Herein, multiple lines of evidence are presented for killer whale predation
on marine mammals in northern Chile. Using information from systematic
boat-based surveys, whale-watching tour surveys, and reports from
fishermen/citizen scientists, 19 killer whale sightings are reported along
the coast of northern Chile (from the Arica and Parinacota region in the
north to the Atacama region in the south). Killer whales were
photo-identified as corresponding to the Southern Hemisphere Type A-like
ecotype according to their dorsal fin shape and white eye patch. One killer
whale pod, which included two males, one female, one juvenile, and one
calf, was resighted six times from 2016 to 2021 in northern Chile and was
observed hunting South American sea lions (*Otaria flavescens*), dusky
dolphins (*Lagenorhynchus obscurus*), and long-beaked common dolphins
(*Delphinus
cf. capensis*). Killer whales were observed taking advantage of large
aggregations of sea lions associated with the offshore purse-seine fishery.
Adult killer whales used the hulls of fishing vessels to prevent sea lions
from escaping. Photo-identification analysis of a fin whale (*Balaenoptera
physalus*) catalogue from Mejillones Peninsula showed that 2.6% of all
identified whales had apparent rake marks from killer whale teeth on their
dorsal fins. These data show that Type A-like killer whales in northern
Chile prey on several species of marine mammals.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you want a pdf copy (
albatr...@gmail.com)

All the best

Ana

*Ana M. García-Cegarra, Ph.D.*
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[MARMAM] Short Note: South American sea lion twins

2022-09-19 Thread Renan Lima
Dear MARMAM community,

On behalf of my coauthors, I'm happy to share our new research note
reporting a rare case of twinning in South American sea lions:

Lima RC, Cebuhar J, Martí L, Franco-Trecu V, Oliveira L, Botta S
(2022) FIRST RECORD OF TWIN FETUSES OF SOUTH AMERICAN SEA LION ON  THE
SOUTHERN BRAZILIAN COAST. Oecologia Australis, vol. 26, no 3,
https://doi.org/10.4257/oeco.2022.2603.09

Abstract: We report the first known occurrence of South American sea lion
(Otaria flavescens) twins on the South American coast. In January 2021 a
female pregnant with dizygotic male and female fetuses was found dead in
southern Brazil. The timing of the stranding event suggests that the
pregnancy was near-term. However, the total body length and weight of
fetuses suggested poor development and growth, which could be due to the
advanced age of the mother and/or poor nutrition of the individual during
pregnancy. The female fetus was larger and heavier than the male and could
have been implanted and developed earlier.

The note is open access and is available on the following link:
https://revistas.ufrj.br/index.php/oa/article/view/45742

Best regards,
Renan Lima

---
*Renan Costa de Lima, MSc*
Doutorando do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica
Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha - EcoMega
Instituto de Oceanografia
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG)

COMNAP Antarctic Fellow 2021

Fone: +55(53)99718994 | e-mail: renan...@gmail.com
www.researchgate.net/profile/Renan-Lima-2
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[MARMAM] "Gaze Following" in Dolphins

2022-09-19 Thread Johnson, Christine
Greetings all!
My colleagues and I are happy to announce the publication of a new paper on 
"Conspecific "gaze following" in bottlenose dolphins", just out in Animal 
Cognition. Below is the abstract and link.

ABSTRACT
"Gaze following"—when one individual witnesses another shift its orientation, 
and then re-orients in the same direction—has been observed in a wide range of 
species. Related work with dolphins has to date focused on human–dolphin 
interactions. In this conspecific study, we examined a group of dolphins 
orienting, in passing, to gateways between their pools, as opportunities for 
witnesses to demonstrate "gaze following". Seven bottlenose dolphins were 
synchronously videotaped on six underwater cameras, for 21 h over three days, 
and the recordings analyzed by trained observers. The identities of all animals 
present, their partner state, and whether and to what degree they had altered 
their access to the gate (e.g., from Monocular to Binocular, or Binocular to 
Visio-Echoic) was recorded. Compared to animals that did not witness such a 
change, witnesses of an increase in access by another dolphin were 
significantly more likely to also act to increase their own access. We observed 
460 such cases of "gaze following" in these animals. Dolphins who were 
partnered (showed sustained swimming within 1 body length) were significantly 
more likely, than non-partnered animals, to "gaze follow". Dolphins also showed 
a significant tendency toward matching the kind of access they observed. No 
significant difference was found in the presence of animals in the back pools, 
during changes in orientation that were followed, versus in those that were 
not. These findings support adding bottlenose dolphins to the growing list of 
species that display conspecific "gaze following".

This paper is available online at:

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-022-01665-x

or contact the lead author for a pdf.
All the best,
CMJ


Christine M. Johnson PhD

Director, Dolphin Cognition Lab

Dept. of Cognitive Science

University of California, San Diego
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[MARMAM] Job Posting - Marine Mammal Stranding Center New Jersey

2022-09-19 Thread Stranding Tech
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC), located in New Jersey, is currently 
accepting applications for a Stranding Technician position.


Job Description

Field Stranding Technicians are responsible for all aspects of stranding 
response and animal care at Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) in 
Brigantine, New Jersey. Technicians are also responsible for coordinating the 
efforts of volunteers as well as local, state and federal authorities during 
stranding responses in the field. This position's responsibilities will be 
based initially on the experience of the applicant hired and additional 
training will be provided where necessary.

Responsibilities

  *   Coordinate stranding response, recovery and reports of cetaceans, seals, 
and sea turtles within the designated response area.
  *   Organize and oversee the daily operations of the stranding program 
including, but not limited to monitoring and response to stranding calls and 
adhering to local and national laws and policies regarding protected species 
and habitats.
  *   Collect data and complete required documentations (e.g. 24-hour report, 
Level A Data, Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network Report (STSSN) for all 
stranded animals and complete required reporting to databases.
  *   Coordinate and conduct or assist veterinarian in necropsies both in the 
field and at MMSC, including coordinating the disposal of carcasses and waste 
materials.
  *   Maintain inventory database for all samples and marine mammal parts in 
conjunction with MMSC staff and proper NMFS, USFWS, and NJFW permitting 
regulations.
  *   Maintain equipment, vehicles, and vessels.
  *   Develop and maintain a volunteer, partner, and public outreach network to 
assist in stranding response, public support, and necropsy.
  *   Conduct workshops and training for stranding program volunteers.
  *   Ensure adequate safety training and PPE for all volunteers and staff for 
all procedures involved in stranding response and necropsy, including hazardous 
and biological waste training, boating safety, animal handling, and zoonotic 
disease prevention.

Qualifications

  *   This position requires a high level of commitment and flexibility with 
regards to scheduling to accommodate the unpredictable nature of stranding 
response and requirement of 24/7 on-call status.
  *   High level interpersonal communication skills.
  *   Proficient in Microsoft software programs.
  *   Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently and 
as part of a team.
  *   Relevant experience in marine mammal stranding and necropsy (may be a 
combination of paid and unpaid work).
  *   Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. unassisted after proper training.
  *   Ability to drive a large truck and boat including ability to trailer and 
tow vessel.
  *   Ability to work under harsh weather conditions.
  *   Bachelor's degree in appropriate area of specialization and experience 
with stranding work (Cetaceans, pinnipeds, and sea turtles).
  *   Experience in stranding program(s) and procedures (2 year minimum). Team 
based work ethic and leadership capabilities.


To apply, Please submit a letter of interest and resume to strand...@mmsc.org 
by Septmeber 30th, 2022. For more information, visit 
https://mmsc.org .
[https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/15804f85-838e-4870-bd16-aa383f37bd63/Harbor%20Seal%20Beach%20Haven%202.jpg]
Meet Our Pod - Marine Mammal Stranding Center
Together we can make a difference. Rescue, Rehabilitate, Release, Preserve. The 
Marine Mammal Stranding Center is dedicated to responding to marine mammals and 
sea turtles in distress along all of New Jersey's waterways and to the 
rehabilitation of these animals for release back into the wild.
mmsc.org


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[MARMAM] New publication - Histomorphological stratification of blubber of three dolphin species from sub-tropical waters

2022-09-19 Thread Natasha Roussouw
Dear MARMAM Subscribers,



On behalf of myself and my co-authors, I am pleased to share our new
publication on the ‘Histomorphological stratification of blubber of three
dolphin species from subtropical waters of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa”:



Roussouw, N., van Vliet, T., Naidoo, K., Rossouw, G., Plön, S. (2022).
Histomorphological stratification of blubber of three dolphin species from
sub-tropical waters. *Journal of Morphology*.
https://doi.org/10.1002/jmor.21511



*Abstract*

Blubber is a highly specialized and dynamic tissue unique to marine mammals
and presents a reflection of the individuals' nutrition, environment, and
life history traits. Few studies have investigated the histomorphology of
cetacean blubber in subtropical environments. The aim of this study was to
investigate the blubber histomorphology of three different dolphin species
off the subtropical KwaZulu‐Natal coast, South Africa, using adipocyte cell
size, number, and density. Blubber tissue samples from the saddle area of
43 incidentally bycaught animals (four *Sousa plumbea*, 36 *Tursiops
aduncus*, and three *Delphinus delphis*) were used to compare cell
parameters between blubber layers. Samples were divided into the upper
third (corresponding
to the superficial layer closest to the epidermis), middle third, and lower
third (corresponding to the deep layer). For *T. aduncus*, factors
potentially affecting blubber histomorphology, such as sex, age class, and
season, were also assessed. Our results showed that no stratification was
present in *S. plumbea*, which could be ascribed to the species' warmer
inshore habitat, large body size, and apparent lower mobility. For *T.
aduncus* and *D. capensis*, however, blubber stratification was determined,
characterized by a gradual transition of cell size, number, and density
between layers rather than clearly defined layers. Significant differences
in adipocyte cell number and density were found for different sexes and age
classes of *T. aduncus*. However, there were no significant differences
between seasons, which was attributed to the small temperature differences
between seasons. This study represents the first investigation of
odontocete blubber histomorphology in subtropical waters. It is recommended
that future studies investigate blubber lipid content, while also taking
into consideration the reproductive status of the females and the
temperature range of their study area. It is hoped that our results, in
conjunction with histopathology and other health indicators, could assist
in assessing health and body condition.



You can access the full-text (read online only) for free at the following
link:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/jmor.21511



Alternatively, please feel free to e-mail me for a pdf copy or if you have
any queries.


Kind regards,


Natasha Roussouw (MSc)
Bayworld Centre for Research and Education (BCRE)
Port Elizabeth
South Africa
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[MARMAM] MARINE ANIMAL REHABILITATION & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION INTERNSHIP

2022-09-19 Thread Gabbie Nicoletta
MARINE ANIMAL REHABILITATION & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION INTERNSHIP

The National Marine Life Center (NMLC) is now accepting applications for the 
Marine Animal Rehabilitation and Environmental Education Internship for a 
bridging internship session, running from the first week of November 2022 
through the first week of March 2023. The application deadline is October 1, 
2022.

Animal Care Responsibilities: Depending on need, case load, and time of year, 
interns may assist with the care of the NMLC rehabilitation patients including 
seals, sea turtles, and a variety of native turtle species. Animal Care duties 
may include animal restraint; cleaning; disinfecting tanks, equipment, and 
environmental enrichment devices; diet preparation; administering feeds 
(including tube feeding); record keeping; facility maintenance; and water 
quality testing. Interns may also assist animal care staff with medical 
procedures, admission exams, animal necropsies, and release events.

Education Responsibilities: Interns may assist with environmental education 
programs, including on-site programs, off-site programs, fairs, and festivals. 
Programs will focus on marine animals, rehabilitation practices, conservation, 
and STEM activities. Interns may learn how to effectively interpret and educate 
guests of NMLC on marine animals and conservation. Interns may be asked to work 
in the gift shop and assist with various office projects such as fundraising 
and data entry. There may be opportunities to create different educational 
materials needed that are aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks and 
Ocean Literacy Principles.
Please note that the summer internship session offers the most opportunity for 
education experience. Fall and Spring sessions offer less opportunity given the 
time of year, so the focus may shift to operations or administrative tasks.

Other Responsibilities: Each intern is assigned to multiple projects in 
different areas of the organization, e.g. research, fundraising, 
rehabilitation, marketing, social media or education. A weekly chore will be 
delegated to each intern to assist with the upkeep of the facility and 
equipment. Each intern is required to attend regularly scheduled meetings 
throughout their time at NMLC. At the end of the internship, the intern will 
deliver a presentation about their experience and projects to staff and 
volunteers.

Positions are unpaid. Interns must have their own transportation. Housing is 
not provided, but NMLC will offer suggestions.


Qualifications

  *   Must be currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from an accredited 
college or university; preference will be given to students or recent graduates 
working towards biology, environmental studies, marine science, education, or 
other related fields.
  *   Must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.
  *   Must be adaptable, responsible, hardworking, willing to learn, and have 
attention to detail.
  *   Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
  *   Must be willing to engage in a positive and informative manner with 
members of the public on a regular basis.
  *   Must be willing to participate in and receive constructive feedback.
  *   Must expect to work approximately 40 hours per week, which can include 
early morning and/or late-night seal feedings depending on the season.
  *   Interns may be required to work some holidays.
  *   Interns may be required to participate in fundraisers held by NMLC, which 
may occur outside of normally scheduled hours
  *   International applicants are responsible for their own VISA arrangements, 
etc.
  *   If an intern plans to receive school credit for an internship they must 
notify staff prior to the internship start date, and it will be the 
responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required paperwork is completed 
and submitted.
Physical Requirements:

  *   Must be able to endure some physical exertion, such as long periods of 
standing; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or 
similar activities; recurring lifting of moderately heavy items such as medical 
equipment and boxes of medical supplies.
  *   The work may require specific but common physical characteristics and 
abilities such as lifting up to 50 pounds, above-average agility, and dexterity.


To Apply: Send your resume, cover letter, and one letter of recommendation to 
interns...@nmlc.org or P.O. Box 269, Buzzards Bay, 
Massachusetts 02532. Due to the high number of applications, only qualified 
candidates will be contacted.



​Gabriella Nicoletta
Animal Care, Necropsy, & Operations Coordinator
National Marine Life Center
P.O. Box 269, 120 Main Street
Buzzards Bay, MA 02532-0269

Office: (508)-743-9888
Cell: (585)-775-5354
Email: gnicole...@nmlc.org
www.nmlc.org
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