The Influence of Topographic and Dynamic Cyclic Variables on the Distribution of Small Cetaceans in a Shallow Coastal System

The influence of topographic and temporal variables on cetacean distribution at a fine-scale is still poorly understood. To study the spatial and temporal distribution of harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena and the poorly known Risso’s dolphin Grampus griseus we carried out land-based observations from Bardsey Island (Wales, UK) in summer (2001–2007). Using Kernel analysis and Generalized Additive Models it was shown that porpoises and Risso’s appeared to be linked to topographic and dynamic cyclic variables with both species using different core areas (dolphins to the West and porpoises to the East off Bardsey). Depth, slope and aspect and a low variation in current speed (for Risso’s) were important in explaining the patchy distributions for both species. The prime temporal conditions in these shallow coastal systems were related to the tidal cycle (Low Water Slack and the flood phase), lunar cycle (a few days following the neap tidal phase), diel cycle (afternoons) and seasonal cycle (peaking in August) but differed between species on a temporary but predictable basis. The measure of tidal stratification was shown to be important. Coastal waters generally show a stronger stratification particularly during neap tides upon which the phytoplankton biomass at the surface rises reaching its maximum about 2–3 days after neap tide. It appeared that porpoises occurred in those areas where stratification is maximised and Risso’s preferred more mixed waters. This fine-scale study provided a temporal insight into spatial distribution of two species that single studies conducted over broader scales (tens or hundreds of kilometers) do not achieve. Understanding which topographic and cyclic variables drive the patchy distribution of porpoises and Risso’s in a Headland/Island system may form the initial basis for identifying potentially critical habitats for these species

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Photo-Identification Methods Reveal Seasonal and Long-Term Site-Fidelity of Risso’s Dolphins (Grampus griseus) in Shallow Waters (Cardigan Bay, Wales)

A photo-identification study on Risso’s dolphins was carried out off Bardsey Island in Wales (July to September, 1997-2007). Their local abundance was estimated using two different analytical techniques: 1) mark-recapture of well-marked dolphins using a “closed-population” model; and 2) a census technique based on the total number of iden-tified individual dolphins sighted over the study period. The mark-recapture estimates of 121 (left sides; 64 - 178, 95% CI; CV 0.24) and 145 dolphins (right sides; 78 - 213, 95% CI; CV 0.24) closely matched the census technique estimates (population size of 90 - 151). It was found that the dolphins showed a degree of long-term and seasonal site-fidelity. A first long-distance match was made for Risso’s dolphins (319 km) between Bardsey Island and Cornwall, confirming they can be wide-ranging animals. This study demonstrates that the combination of systematic and opportunistic photo-ID studies has complementary value as a population assessment tool in generating the first local abundance esti-mate for Risso’s dolphins in UK waters. From the conservation perspective, these studies confirm the regular presence of Risso’s dolphins in these waters and the presence of calves shows breeding. Bardsey Island may be part of a network of localities that are important habitats to this species where it may take advantage of prey abundance in shallow waters. As such, results of this study may provide assistance to include the Risso’s dolphin in future regional conservation strategies including the envisaged marine protected areas

Interactions Between Short-Beaked Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and the Winter Pelagic Pair-Trawl Fishery ff Southwest England (UK)

During offshore and onshore studies (2004 to 2009), the interactions between pair-trawls and short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) were studied to better understand the impact of bycatch. A ‘hotspot’ area where pair-trawls overlapped with high dolphin abundance was identified. We made comparisons between boat-based data collected in absence and presence of pair-trawlers. The relative abundance and group-size of dolphins was significantly higher in the presence of pair-trawlers. Dolphins were observed associating with towing and hauling procedures. Significantly, more carcasses occurred in areas with hauling-activity than those without. Body-temperatures obtained from carcasses found near operating pair-trawlers indicated that bycatch mostly occurred at night. During necropsy studies, difficulties were encountered in identifying the fishing-gears responsible. Strandings data highlighted that the number of dead stranded dolphins was probably much higher than previously reported and there was a significant difference in the age and gender-composition of carcasses. Mature/sub-adult males appeared at greater risk from entanglement in pair-trawls offshore, whilst females with young appeared more vulnerable to inshore gillnets. Our findings show that the overlap between pelagic fisheries and the common dolphin hotspot is causing direct mortality through bycatch and, together with recent range-shifts, may have contributed to a localised decline of this species in this winter hotspot since 2007

Identification of Risk Factors for Dupilumab-associated OculaSurface Disease in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis

This study identified risk factors for the development of dupilumab-associated ocular surface disease in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in a large prospective daily practice cohort. Data from the Dutch BioDay Registry were used to assess the risk of developing dupilumab-associated ocular surface di-sease, by performing univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A total of 469 patients were included, of which 152/469 (32.4%) developed dupi-lumab-associated ocular surface disease. Multivariate analysis showed a statistically significant association of the development of dupilumab-associated ocular surface disease with a history of any eye disease (his-tory of self-reported episodic acute allergic conjunctivitis excluded) combined with the use of ophthalmic medication at the start of dupilumab (odds ratio 5.16, 95% confidence interval 2.30–11.56, p < 0.001). In conclusion, a history of any eye disease (history of self-reported episodic acute allergic conjunctivitis ex-cluded) combined with the use of ophthalmic medication at baseline was associated with the development of dupilumab-associated ocular surface disease in patients with atopic dermatitis

Evaluation of low-dose aspirin in the prevention of recurrent spontaneous preterm labour (the APRIL study) : A multicentre, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

Funding: MdB, LV, TN, BM, MO and CdG received funding from ZonMw, The Dutch Organisation for Health Research and Development (grant number 836041006). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

A review of the dodo and its ecosystem: insights from a vertebrate concentration Lagerstätte in Mauritius

The dodo Raphus cucullatus Linnaeus, an extinct and flightless, giant pigeon endemic to Mauritius, has fascinated people since its discovery, yet has remained surprisingly poorly known. Until the mid-19th century, almost all that was known about the dodo was based on illustrations and written accounts by 17th century mariners, often of questionable accuracy. Furthermore, only a few fragmentary remains of dodos collected prior to the bird's extinction exist. Our understanding of the dodo's anatomy was substantially enhanced by the discovery in 1865 of subfossil bones in a marsh called the Mare aux Songes, situated in southeastern Mauritius. However, no contextual information was recorded during early excavation efforts, and the majority of excavated material comprised larger dodo bones, almost all of which were unassociated. Here we present a modern interdisciplinary analysis of the Mare aux Songes, a 4200-year-old multitaxic vertebrate concentration Lagerstätte. Our analysis of the deposits at this site provides the first detailed overview of the ecosystem inhabited by the dodo. The interplay of climatic and geological conditions led to the exceptional preservation of the animal and associated plant remains at the Mare aux Songes and provides a window into the past ecosystem of Mauritius. This interdisciplinary research approach provides an ecological framework for the dodo, complementing insights on its anatomy derived from the only associated dodo skeletons known, both of which were collected by Etienne Thirioux and are the primary subject of this memoir.publishedVersio

First record of Barau’s Petrel for Namibia, South Atlantic

Première observation du Pétrel de Barau Pterodroma baraui en Namibie, Atlantique sud. Un Pétrel de Barau Pterodroma baraui a été photographié à environ 96 km au large du nord de la Namibie (21°05’S 12°30’E) le 4 février 2014. C’est la première donnée pour la Namibie et seulement la deuxième pour l’Océan atlantique. C’est aussi la plus occidentale et, avec les observations récentes au large de l’Afrique du Sud, elle pourrait indiquer une extension de l’aire de distribution vers l’ouest de l’espèce

Ocean wanderers : Extralimital encounters with bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) in temperate European shallow waters

Reports of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) outside the Arctic Circle are scarce. On 15 May 2016, a juvenile bowhead whale was recorded in shallow water in Mount's Bay (Cornwall, UK) much further south than the species' normal dis- tribution. Fifteen months earlier, another such sighting was made involving a juvenile bowhead whale in the shallow water of an offshore island, St Martin's (Isles of Scilly, Cornwall), only 60 km from Mount's Bay. Other observations of suspected/confirmed immature bowhead whales include (1) an unconfirmed sighting involving a whale without a dorsal fin off Cornwall (13 May 2016), (2) a confirmed sighting off France (10 May 2016), and (3) a confirmed sighting in Carlingford Lough (border of Northern Ireland/ Republic of Ireland; 29 May 2016). These extra- limital encounters present the first confirmed sightings of bowhead whales within temperate European waters. Apart from the whale sighted in 2015, the sightings in 2016 probably all involve the same juvenile whale. Indeed, photographs depicting natural scars/marks suggest that the Carlingford Lough bowhead whale is the same individual as the Mount's Bay. The whale was displaying behaviour indicative of ram feeding in a sheltered, shallow bay (< 10 m water depth). Do these records present vagrant animals from nearby endangered Arctic stocks? Whatever trig- gered these immature bowhead whales to venture well outside the Arctic Circle remains unknown, yet these observations suggest an unexpected adaptability to foraging in temperate shallow waters

The Fine-Scale Habitat Use of Risso’s Dolphins off Bardsey Island, Cardigan Bay (UK)

The main objectives of this study were (1) to estimate the population size of Risso’s dolphins off Bardsey Island using mark-recapture techniques (De Boer et al., 2013); and (2) to study habitat-use in relation to fine-scale oceanographic features. This work provides preliminary information on the habitat-use of Risso’s dolphins and will benefit future studies, along with the development of effective conservation measures for this species throughout the region