Lesson 3: Researching Whales and Dolphins
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Is Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena Phocoena) Exhaled Breath Sampling Suitable for Hormonal Assessments?
animals Article Is Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) Exhaled Breath Sampling Suitable for Hormonal Assessments? Anja Reckendorf 1,2 , Marion Schmicke 3 , Paulien Bunskoek 4, Kirstin Anderson Hansen 1,5, Mette Thybo 5, Christina Strube 2 and Ursula Siebert 1,* 1 Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum, Germany; [email protected] (A.R.); [email protected] (K.A.H.) 2 Centre for Infection Medicine, Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany; [email protected] 3 Clinic for Cattle, Working Group Endocrinology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany; [email protected] 4 Dolfinarium, Zuiderzeeboulevard 22, 3841 WB Harderwijk, The Netherlands; paulien.bunskoek@dolfinarium.nl 5 Fjord & Bælt, Margrethes Pl. 1, 5300 Kerteminde, Denmark; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +49-511-856-8158 Simple Summary: The progress of animal welfare in wildlife conservation and research calls for more non-invasive sampling techniques. In cetaceans, exhaled breath condensate (blow)—a mixture of cells, mucus and fluids expelled through the force of a whale’s exhale—is a unique sampling matrix for hormones, bacteria and genetic material, among others. Especially the detection of steroid hormones, such as cortisol, is being investigated as stress indicators in several species. As the only Citation: Reckendorf, A.; Schmicke, native cetacean in Germany, harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) are of special conservation concern M.; Bunskoek, P.; Anderson Hansen, and research interest. So far, strandings and live captures have been the only method to obtain K.; Thybo, M.; Strube, C.; Siebert, U. -
Cetacean Occurrence in the Gulf of Alaska from Long-Term Passive
Marine Biology (2021) 168:72 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-021-03884-1 ORIGINAL PAPER Cetacean occurrence in the Gulf of Alaska from long‑term passive acoustic monitoring Ally Rice1 · Ana Širović1,2 · Jennifer S. Trickey1 · Amanda J. Debich1,3 · Rachel S. Gottlieb1 · Sean M. Wiggins1 · John A. Hildebrand1 · Simone Baumann‑Pickering1 Received: 23 November 2020 / Accepted: 11 April 2021 © The Author(s) 2021 Abstract The Gulf of Alaska is an important habitat for a diverse array of marine mammals, many of which were severely depleted by historical whaling. To study current cetacean distributions in this region, passive acoustic monitoring was used to detect species-specifc call types between 2011 and 2015 at fve locations spanning the continental shelf, slope, and ofshore sea- mounts. Spatial and temporal detection patterns were examined for nine species to compare diferences in behavior and habitat use. Mysticetes showed seasonal increases in calling that indicated possible behavioral shifts between feeding and breeding in blue (Balaenoptera musculus), fn (B. physalus), and humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae) whales, and matched known migration timing of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus). Interannual changes in blue and fn whale calling may relate to the marine heat wave that began in 2013 and lasted through the end of the monitoring period. Odontocete detections revealed unique spatial distributions, with killer whales (Orcinus orca) most common on the continental shelf and sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) most common on the continental slope, where detections occurred year-round. Beaked whales showed both spatial and temporal separation: Baird’s beaked whale (Berardius bairdii) detections were highest at Quinn Seamount in the spring, Cuvier’s (Ziphius cavirostris) at Pratt Seamount in winter, and Stejneger’s (Mesoplodon stejnegeri) on the continental slope in the fall. -
Marine Mammals of Hudson Strait the Following Marine Mammals Are Common to Hudson Strait, However, Other Species May Also Be Seen
Marine Mammals of Hudson Strait The following marine mammals are common to Hudson Strait, however, other species may also be seen. It’s possible for marine mammals to venture outside of their common habitats and may be seen elsewhere. Bowhead Whale Length: 13-19 m Appearance: Stocky, with large head. Blue-black body with white markings on the chin, belly and just forward of the tail. No dorsal fin or ridge. Two blow holes, no teeth, has baleen. Behaviour: Blow is V-shaped and bushy, reaching 6 m in height. Often alone but sometimes in groups of 2-10. Habitat: Leads and cracks in pack ice during winter and in open water during summer. Status: Special concern Beluga Whale Length: 4-5 m Appearance: Adults are almost entirely white with a tough dorsal ridge and no dorsal fin. Young are grey. Behaviour: Blow is low and hardly visible. Not much of the body is visible out of the water. Found in small groups, but sometimes hundreds to thousands during annual migrations. Habitat: Found in open water year-round. Prefer shallow coastal water during summer and water near pack ice in winter. Killer Whale Status: Endangered Length: 8-9 m Appearance: Black body with white throat, belly and underside and white spot behind eye. Triangular dorsal fin in the middle of the back. Male dorsal fin can be up to 2 m in high. Behaviour: Blow is tall and column shaped; approximately 4 m in height. Narwhal Typically form groups of 2-25. Length: 4-5 m Habitat: Coastal water and open seas, often in water less than 200 m depth. -
Wint03 Whales
FAMILY NATURE NOTES WINTER 2003 Written by Kerry Everitt Design and illustrations by Judie Shore Did you know that the largest species of mammal in the world is found just off the coast of Canada? humpback Whales mother and Giants of the Ocean calf Way up north, in the Canadian Arctic, you can see narwhals and bow- head whales. Hundreds of beluga whales live quite close to us here in Ontario in the St. Lawrence River and farther north in Hudson Bay. Humpback whales, minke whales, fin whales and the gigantic blue whale can be found along both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Although they live entirely in the water, whales, dolphins and porpoises are actually mammals. These sorts of mammals are called cetaceans. Unlike insects, which have millions of different species, there are only about 80 species of cetaceans worldwide. Whales of all shapes and sizes are found in every ocean from the warm tropics to the icy poles. Millions of years ago, when mammals first evolved, they lived on land. How and why ancestors of the whales moved from their terrestrial habitat into the seas and oceans is unknown. About 55 million years ago, a group of mammals moved into the shallow marine environment. Gradually these creatures evolved and adapted to their new watery habitat and became the whales we know today. Their nostrils moved to the top of their heads (now called blowholes), and they developed strong tails for swimming. Their front legs transformed into flippers, and their hind legs completely disappeared. In some whales you can still find leg bones called vestigial bones, remnants of the time when these creatures were land mammals and walked on four legs. -
Commonly Found Marine Mammals of Puget Sound
Marine Mammals of Puget Sound Pinnipeds: Seals & Sea Lions Cetaceans: Pacific Harbor Seal Whales, Dolphins & Porpoise Phoca vitulina Adults mottled tan or blue-gray with dark spots Seal Pups Orca Male: 6'/300 lbs; Female: 5'/200 pounds Earless (internal ears, with externally visible hole) (or Killer Whale) Short fur-covered flippers, nails at end Drags rear flippers behind body Orcinus orca Vocalization: "maah" (pups only) Black body with white chin, Most common marine mammal in Puget Sound belly, and eyepatch Shy, but curious. Pupping occurs June/July in Average 23 - 26'/4 - 8 tons the Strait of Juan de Fuca and San Juan Islands Southern Resident orcas (salmon-eating) are Endangered, travel in larger pods Northern Elephant Seal If you see a seal pup Transient (marine mammal -eating) orcas alone on the beach travel in smaller pods Orcas are most often observed in inland waters Mirounga angustirostris DO NOT DISTURB - fall - spring; off San Juan Islands in summer Brownish-gray it’s the law! Dall's Porpoise Male: 10-12'/4,000-5,000 lbs Human encroachment can stress the pup Female: 8-9'/900-1,000 lbs. Phocoenoides dalli and scare the mother away. Internal ears (slight hole) For your safety and the health of the pup, Harbor Porpoise Black body/white belly and sides Short fur-covered flippers, nails at end leave the pup alone. Do not touch! White on dorsal fin trailing edge Drags rear flippers behind body Phocoena phocoena Average 6 - 7'/300 lbs. Vocalization: Guttural growl or belch Dark gray or black Travels alone or in groups of 2 - 20 or more Elephant seals are increasing in with lighter sides and belly Creates “rooster tail” spray, number in this region Average 5- 6'/120 lbs. -
Sustained Disruption of Narwhal Habitat Use and Behavior in The
Sustained disruption of narwhal habitat use and behavior in the presence of Arctic killer whales Greg A. Breeda,1, Cory J. D. Matthewsb, Marianne Marcouxb, Jeff W. Higdonc, Bernard LeBlancd, Stephen D. Petersene, Jack Orrb, Natalie R. Reinhartf, and Steven H. Fergusonb aInstitute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK 99775; bArctic Aquatic Research Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3T 2N6; cHigdon Wildlife Consulting, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3G 3C9; dFisheries Management, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Quebec, QC, Canada G1K 7Y7; eAssiniboine Park Zoo, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3R 0B8; and fDepartment of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3T 2N2 Edited by James A. Estes, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, and approved January 10, 2017 (received for review July 17, 2016) Although predators influence behavior of prey, analyses of elec- Electronic tracking tags are also frequently used to track verte- tronic tracking data in marine environments rarely consider how brates in marine systems. Although there is evidence that marine predators affect the behavior of tracked animals. We collected animals adjust their behavior under predation threat (21, 22, 12), an unprecedented dataset by synchronously tracking predator few data or analyses exist showing how predators affect the (killer whales, N = 1; representing a family group) and prey movement of tracked marine animals. These data are lacking (narwhal, N = 7) via satellite telemetry in Admiralty Inlet, a because marine environments are more difficult to observe and large fjord in the Eastern Canadian Arctic. Analyzing the move- tracked animals often move over scales much larger than their ment data with a switching-state space model and a series of terrestrial counterparts, making it difficult to measure predator mixed effects models, we show that the presence of killer whales density in situations where tracking tags are deployed on prey. -
Variation of Bowhead Whale Progesterone Concentrations Across Demographic Groups and Sample Matrices
Vol. 22: 61–72, 2013 ENDANGERED SPECIES RESEARCH Published online November 7 doi: 10.3354/esr00537 Endang Species Res FREEREE ACCESSCCESS Variation of bowhead whale progesterone concentrations across demographic groups and sample matrices Nicholas M. Kellar1,*, Jennifer Keliher1, Marisa L. Trego1,2, Krista N. Catelani1,2, Cyd Hanns3, J. C. ‘Craig’ George3, Cheryl Rosa3 1Protected Resources Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Services, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 8901 La Jolla Shores Dr., La Jolla, California 92037, USA 2Ocean Associates, 4007 N. Abingdon St., Arlington, Virginia 22207, USA 3North Slope Borough, Department of Wildlife Management, PO Box 69, Barrow, Alaska 99723, USA ABSTRACT: Bowhead whale Balaena mysticetus progesterone concentrations were measured in different sample matrices (serum, blubber, and urine) to investigate (1) concordance among sam- ple type and (2) variation among life-history class. Samples were collected from subsistence- hunted whales (n = 86) taken from 1999 to 2009. In general, irrespective of sample matrix, preg- nant females had the highest concentrations by orders of magnitude, followed by mature animals of both sexes, and subadults had the lowest concentrations. Subadult males and females had sim- ilar progesterone concentrations in all sample matrices measured. When pregnant animals were included in our analyses, permuted regression models indicated a strong positive relationship between serum and blubber progesterone levels (r2 = 0.894, p = 0.0002). When pregnant animals were not included, we found no significant relationship between serum and blubber levels (r2 = 0.025, p = 0.224). These results suggest that progesterone concentrations are mirrored in these sample types over longer periods (i.e. -
Balaenoptera Bonaerensis – Antarctic Minke Whale
Balaenoptera bonaerensis – Antarctic Minke Whale compared to B. bonaerensis. This smaller form, termed the “Dwarf” Minke Whale, may be genetically different from B. bonaerensis, and more closely related to the North Pacific Minke Whales, and thus has been classified B. acutorostrata (Wada et al. 1991; IWC 2001). This taxonomic position, although somewhat controversial, has been accepted by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). Assessment Rationale The current IWC global estimate of abundance of Antarctic Dr. Meike Scheidat Minke Whales is about 500,000 individuals. The abundance estimates declined from about 700,000 for the second circumpolar set of abundance survey cruises Regional Red List status (2016) Least Concern* (1985/86 to 1990/91) to about 500,000 for the third National Red List status (2004) Least Concern (1991/92 to 2003/04). Although this decline was not statistically significant, the IWC Scientific Committee does Reasons for change No change consider these results to reflect a change. However, Global Red List status (2008) Data Deficient whether this change is genuine or attributed to greater proportions of pack ice limiting the survey extent, has not TOPS listing (NEMBA) (2007) None yet been determined. More detailed results from an CITES listing (1986) Appendix I assessment model are available for the mid-Indian to the mid-Pacific region, and suggest that the population Endemic No increased to a peak in 1970 and then declined, with it *Watch-list Data being unclear whether this decline has levelled off or is still continuing past 2000. -
Description of a New Species of Beaked Whale (Berardius) Found in the North Pacific
www.nature.com/scientificreports OPEN Description of a new species of beaked whale (Berardius) found in the North Pacifc Received: 30 November 2018 Tadasu K. Yamada1, Shino Kitamura2,3, Syuiti Abe3, Yuko Tajima1, Ayaka Matsuda3, Accepted: 4 July 2019 James G. Mead4 & Takashi F. Matsuishi3,5 Published: xx xx xxxx Two types of Berardius are recognised by local whalers in Hokkaido, Japan. The frst is the ordinary Baird’s beaked whale, B. bairdii, whereas the other is much smaller and entirely black. Previous molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed that the black type is one recognisable taxonomic unit within the Berardius clade but is distinct from the two known Berardius species. To determine the characteristics of the black type, we summarised external morphology and skull osteometric data obtained from four individuals, which included three individuals from Hokkaido and one additional individual from the United States National Museum of Natural History collection. The whales difered from all of their congeners by having the following unique characters: a substantially smaller body size of physically mature individuals, proportionately shorter beak, and darker body colour. Thus, we conclude that the whales are a third Berardius species. Beaked whales (Family Ziphiidae, Odontoceti, Cetacea) include the second largest number of species among toothed whale families. Teir preference for deep ocean waters, elusive habits, and long dive capacity1 make beaked whales hard to see and inadequately understood. A total of 22 species are currently recognized in six genera (Berardius, Hyperoodon, Indopacetus, Mesoplodon, Tasmacetus, and Ziphius)2. Te genus Berardius has two species, Baird’s beaked whale Berardius bairdii, found in the North Pacifc and adjacent waters, and Arnoux’s beaked whale B. -
The Bowhead Vs. the Gray Whale in Chukotkan Aboriginal Whaling IGOR I
ARCTIC VOL. 40, NO. 1 (MARCH 1987) P. 16-32 The Bowhead vs. the Gray Whale in Chukotkan Aboriginal Whaling IGOR I. KRUPNIK’ (Received 5 September 1984; accepted in revised form 22 July 1986) ABSTRACT. Active whaling for large baleen whales -mostly for bowhead (Balaena mysricetus) and gray whales (Eschrichrius robustus)-has been practiced by aborigines on the Chukotka Peninsula since at least the early centuries of the Christian era. Thehistory of native whaling off Chukotka may be divided into four periods according to the hunting methods used and the primary species pursued: ancient or aboriginal (from earliest times up to the second half of the 19th century); rraditional (second half of the 19th century to the1930s); transitional (late 1930s toearly 1960s); and modern (from the early 1960s). The data on bowhead/gray whale bone distribution in theruins of aboriginal coastal sites, available catch data from native settlements from the late 19th century and local oral tradition prove to be valuable sources for identifying specific areas of aboriginal whaling off Chukotka. Until the 1930s, bowhead whales generally predominated in the native catch; gray whales were hunted periodically or locally along restricted parts of the coast. Some 8-10 bowheads and 3-5 gray whales were killed on the average in a “good year”by Chukotka natives during the early 20th century. Around the mid-20th century, however, bowheads were completely replaced by gray whales. On the basis of this experience, the author believes that the substitution of gray whales for bowheads, proposed recently by conservationists for modemAlaska Eskimos, would be unsuccessful. -
Climate Change Could Impact Narwhal Consumption by Killer Whales
Nova Southeastern University NSUWorks Student Publications, Projects, and Scientific Communication News Performances 2020 Climate Change Could Impact Narwhal Consumption by Killer Whales Mykenzee L. Munaco Follow this and additional works at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/sci-com-news Part of the Biology Commons, Earth Sciences Commons, Environmental Sciences Commons, Marine Biology Commons, Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Commons, and the Science and Mathematics Education Commons Recommended Citation Munaco, Mykenzee L., "Climate Change Could Impact Narwhal Consumption by Killer Whales" (2020). Scientific Communication News. 27. https://nsuworks.nova.edu/sci-com-news/27 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Publications, Projects, and Performances at NSUWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Scientific Communication News yb an authorized administrator of NSUWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Climate Change Could Impact Narwhal Consumption by Killer Whales Climate change related differences in killer whale distributions could result in increased predation of narwhals in the northern Baffin Island region. SOURCE: Wiley: Global Change Biology By Mykenzee Munaco 05 November 2020 Climate change is creating warmer ocean temperatures and melting sea ice at polar latitudes. These environmental changes can allow species to expand their normal range to higher latitudes. Killer whales have recently been observed at higher latitudes than they have historically resided in. As a result, there is concern that the narwhal population could experience higher rates of killer whale predation, potentially resulting in the decline of important narwhal populations. Transient killer whales eat marine mammals and are known to visit the Canadian Arctic in summer months. -
213 Subpart I—Taking and Importing Marine Mammals
National Marine Fisheries Service/NOAA, Commerce Pt. 218 regulations or that result in no more PART 218—REGULATIONS GOV- than a minor change in the total esti- ERNING THE TAKING AND IM- mated number of takes (or distribution PORTING OF MARINE MAM- by species or years), NMFS may pub- lish a notice of proposed LOA in the MALS FEDERAL REGISTER, including the asso- ciated analysis of the change, and so- Subparts A–B [Reserved] licit public comment before issuing the Subpart C—Taking Marine Mammals Inci- LOA. dental to U.S. Navy Marine Structure (c) A LOA issued under § 216.106 of Maintenance and Pile Replacement in this chapter and § 217.256 for the activ- Washington ity identified in § 217.250 may be modi- fied by NMFS under the following cir- 218.20 Specified activity and specified geo- cumstances: graphical region. (1) Adaptive Management—NMFS 218.21 Effective dates. may modify (including augment) the 218.22 Permissible methods of taking. existing mitigation, monitoring, or re- 218.23 Prohibitions. porting measures (after consulting 218.24 Mitigation requirements. with Navy regarding the practicability 218.25 Requirements for monitoring and re- porting. of the modifications) if doing so cre- 218.26 Letters of Authorization. ates a reasonable likelihood of more ef- 218.27 Renewals and modifications of Let- fectively accomplishing the goals of ters of Authorization. the mitigation and monitoring set 218.28–218.29 [Reserved] forth in the preamble for these regula- tions. Subpart D—Taking Marine Mammals Inci- (i) Possible sources of data that could dental to U.S. Navy Construction Ac- contribute to the decision to modify tivities at Naval Weapons Station Seal the mitigation, monitoring, or report- Beach, California ing measures in a LOA: (A) Results from Navy’s monitoring 218.30 Specified activity and specified geo- graphical region.