Supplementary Form A - Whales and Dolphins · Supplementary Form A - Whales and Dolphins...

·! ,~ Australian Government ~ Department of the Environment and Water Resources

~./. .~:. ••••• • If the person completing this form is representing a small business (I.e, a business having less than 20 employees), please provide an estimate of the time taken to complete this form .

Please include: - the time taken spent reading the instructions, working on the

questions and obtaining the information; and - the time spent by all employees in collecting and providing

this infonTlation.

Hours D Minutes D

Supplementary Form A - Whales and Dolphins (cetaceans) Application under section 238 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

This form has two purposes: 1, To apply for a permit to undertake an action which will contribute significantly to the conservation of whales and dolphins such as

research on whales and dolphins. !I 2. To apply for a permit to interfere with whales and dolphins, where that interference is incidental to and not the purpose of the

action, for example, building an underwater structure where you may come into contact with whales or dolphins. Please supply the following information if you will interfere with, injure, take, keep, move, possess or treat (cut up/divide) a cetacean or part of a cetacean in the Australian Whale Sanctuary or waters beyond the Australian Whale Sanctuary (overseas). If you are proposing to send specimens out of Australia you will need an export permit. Import permits will be necessary for bringing parts or products of cetaceans into Australia. For more information on imports and exports contact International Wildlife Trade Section on 0262741900. This form should be completed in conjunction with The General Permit Application form.

If you need more space If there is insufficient space on this form to fully address any of the questions please attach additional pages and list these attachments at question 16. When using additional documentation to answer individual questions in this application, please refer to the document title, the specific section(s) and the page number(s) on which the information appears.

Application fee There is a $25 fee for permits where the action will contribute significantly to the conservation of cetaceans. There are some fee exemptions in certain circumstances, details of which can be obtained from the Department at the below address.

Where to send the' forms and the application fee Please send the completed General Permit Application and this form and any accompanying attachments to:

Director Cetacean Policy and Recovery Section Department of the Environment and Water Resources GPO Box 787 CANBERRA ACT 2601 Fax: 02 62741542

0[6 26 June 2006

I

II

1 Details of species that will be affected by the action. Use the following codes to enter details in columns 3 and 5.

Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5 Common name of species. Scientific name of species Conservation status of Estimated Type of effect

Common and scientific names threatened species number that are available at the Departmental under EPBC Act (e.g. the blue will be Codes for Column 5

website: whale is endangered EN) affected. IC Interfering with a cetacean htlp;//www.environmen!.gov.au/erinl Codes for Column 3 IN Injuring

applications/biodiversity/sprall TA Taking EW Extinct in the wild EX Extinct KE Keeping CE Critically endangered MD Moving EN Endangered TC Treating VU Vulnerable PO Possessing CD Conservation dependent

Killer whale Orcinus orca 100 Ie

2 Provide the latitude and longitude of where the action will be conducted. Latitude and longitude references should be used instead of AMG and/or digital coordinates.

Where the project area is less than 1 square km, provide a single pair of latitude and longitude references.

Where the project area is greater than 1 square km or any dimension is greater than 1 km, attach a list of coordinates to enable accurate identification of the location of the project area.

Latitude

Degrees Minutes Seconds

Longitude

Degrees Minutes Seconds

40 87 02

40 59 13

43 56 01

43 75 57

147 38 17

147 37 49

146 23 45

146 20 58

Locality

I Eastern Coastal Tasmanian Waters

0/6

3 Attach an A4 sized map to show the boundaries of the area in which the action will be conducted.

4 Provide an attachment describing the action addressing the following points. A, The equipment and methods used to comply with the

EPBC Act Regulations. B. What steps will be taken to minimise impacts on

cetaceans. C. The objectives and purposes of the action.

5 Attach a description of any research relevant to the # affected species or community that will be carried out in the course of or in conjunction with the proposed action, including:

A. A copy of the research proposal. B. The names of the researchers and institutions involved in

or supporting the research, C. Relationship of the researchers to the permit applicant,

including any funding being provided by, or to, the permit applicant

26 June 2006

6 Will the action involve invasive techniques?

No D=>Go to next question

Yes cgj=>Attach application and approval from an # Animal Ethics Committee.

7 Are you applying on the basis that the action will contribute significantly to conservation of cetaceans? (Please note, a fee of $25 is required for this type of permit - see Question 21)

No D=>Goto9

Yes cgj=>Go to next question

8 Why do you believe that the action will contribute significantly to the conservation of cetaceans? Australian killer whale populations are very poorly understood due to limited research. It is apparent that they are coming under increasing pressure through interactions with boating and tour operators, oil and gas exploration, commercial shipping and commercial fishing. It is highly likely that these killer whales make up distinct populations with clearly defined prey preferences and well-established geographical ranges although to what extent these populations interact, their potential ecotypical classification, and what their major dietary prey items are is currently unknown. There are currently no studies detailing the diet and foraging range of Australian killer whale populations, and their importance within the ecosystem. Depending on their range, each population will be affected by different threats, including noise pollution from seismic surveys and shipping activity, entanglement in fishing gear, tourism and climate change. These differences in threats between populations makes population level conservation especially important, to prevent local extinctions. By establishing fatty acid and stable isotope profiles for populations of various locations and combining it with satellite tracking data from specific individuals, we will be able to provide a clear representation of killer whale diet among Australian populations. This work will offer the first in depth insights into the diet and geographical range of Australian killer whale populations and will set a benchmark for future killer whale research in Australian waters.

Now go to 13

0/6

9 Are you applying on the basis that the effect on cetaceans will be incidental to, and not the purpose of, the action? You must also answer questions 10,11 &12 to apply for this type of permit.

No D=>you are not able to apply for a permit using this form, please contact the Cetacean Policy and Recovery Section at [email protected], or call (02) 6274 1111.

Yes D=>why do you believe that the impact of the action will be incidental to and not the purpose of the action?

26 June 2006

10 Why do you believe that the proposed action will not adversely affect the conservation status of a species of cetacean or population of that species?

11 Describe how the proposed action will be consistent with any recovery plans or wildlife conservation plans in force for the species of cetaceans that may be affected by the action. Commonwealth recovery and wildlife conservation plans that are in force are available from the Department of the Environment and Water Resources web site: www.environment.gOv.au/biodiversitvlthreatenedlrecovervlinde x.html

State and territory recovery plans will be available from state and territory environmental agencies.

0/6 26 June 2006

· 12 The applicant is required to take all reasonable steps to minimise interference with cetaceans.

How will this be carried out?

13 Attach details of any proceedings against the proposed permit holder under a Commonwealth, State or Territory law for the protection of the environment or the conservation and A sustainable use of natural resources. (5r

14 Fees The following fees apply:

- If you answered yes at question 7, for an action which will contribute significantly to the conservation of cetaceans - $25 (there are fee exemptions in some circumstances).

- An incidental action relating to cetaceans - nil

15 Are you paying by credit card?

No D=>Attach a cheque, go to next question

Yes C8J=>Complete the following details

Card: Visa 0 Bankcard 0 MasterCard C8J Card number eeoc Expiry date (month/year) [ I

Card holder's name as shown on card

Amount

125.00

Cardholder's signature

of6

16 Attachments Indicate below which documents are attached.

Attach a map. See question 3 C8J The equipment and methods used to comply

C8J with the EPBC Act Regulations. See question 4 What steps will be taken to minimise impacts

~ on cetaceans. See question 4 The objectives and purposes

C8J of the action. See question 4

Copy of research proposal. See question 5 [gJ Names of researchers and institutions. See question 5 [8]

Relationship of researcher to permit applicant. ~ See question 5

Ethics committee approval. See question 6 ~ Details of any proceedings against the permit holder

D under a Commonwealth, State or Territory law. See question 13

Cheque for payment of fee. See question 14 D List all additional documents below D

Titles of all attached documents (include the document title, the specific section(s) and the page number(s) on which the information appears)

17 Declaration

I declare that the information contained in this application is correct to the best of my knowledge.

Name of person signing

I Patti Virtue

Date

11 Dec 2016

26 June 2006

0/6 26 June 2006

Killer whale research sites

Stanley

Smithton

Arthu~Riyel

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Area

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Rosebery

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Queenstown

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Franklin-Gordoll Wild RIvers

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The methods and equipment used in this research project comply with EPBC Act Regulations Part 8, specifically REG 8.04. This project will utilise flagged researched vessels to conduct close approach, photographic data collection, remote biopsy, and satellite tagging of killer whales in commonwealth waters.

The animal ethics approval A15802 details specifically approved methods required to conduct this data acquisition. Close approach and sampling will take place under the approved EPBC act regulations listed REG 8.04 and covered in the A15802 approval.

This project will collect killer whale tissue biopsies from a range of 5 to 15 m using a crossbow of 90 lb draw weight (Excalibur Apex). Animals will be sampled and a small amount of skin and blubber (approx. 2cm) will be collected using the biopsy darts. The same procedure will be used to attach limpet tags using a crossbow of draw weight 150 lb (Excalibur Vixen), but the animal target area will differ. Physical impact on the animal will be a small biopsy hole 8mm diameter in the case of biopsies and the attachment of a 69g tag to the dorsal fin for tagging purposes, tag attachment duration ranges depending on success of tagging method but not more than 110 days.

Both biopsy and tagging procedures will be conducted from small boats in open waters with identified whales approached slowly to within the specified range. For biopsies the arbalester should always aim high on the lateral side of the animal, the target region is the whale's dorsum, ventral to the dorsal fin. Killer whale tissue biopsies will be collected using Easton Aluminium Carbon Composite 3-71 floatation darts (manufactured by Finn Larsen - Cetadart) fired from a crossbow of90 lb draw weight. The dimensions of the biopsy cutting head are 4.0 ern length x 0.8 ern diameter. Deployment of 'dart' tags with satellite transmitters (SPOT5model, Wildlife Computers, Redmond, W A, USA; http://www.wildlifecomputers.com/) will follow similar procedures. These small (63 g) tags are attached with two barbed titanium prongs which penetrate 6.5 em into the dorsal fin. Tags will be deployed using a crossbow bolt fired at ranges from 5 to 15 m using a crossbow of 150 lb draw weight; the bolt falls away on contact with the whale, leaving only the tag attached. The target area for tagging procedures is the base of the dorsal fin.

Animals will be tracked and monitored for a short amount of time to note any adverse reactions to procedure. If adverse reactions are noted they will be recorded in Biopsy, Harassment, Photo Log.

This study aims to assess the following population demographics: • Defme key prey for killer whale populations in Australian waters. • Describe killer whale ecotypes for Australian killer whale populations. • Describe foraging range of Australian killer whale populations. • Define population connectivity of Australian killer whale populations.

Project approval for state government waters has been approved and permit is attached along with current animal ethics approval and research proposal.

Researchers involved in this project/affiliation with permit applicant. Associate Professor Patti Virtue IMAS Mr Benjamin Sellers IMAS (PhD research student) Mr David Donnelly Killer Whales Australia (research collaborator)

~ UNIVERSITY of .,~ TASMANIA

IMAS INSTITUTE FOR MARINE & ANTARCTIC STUDIES

Executive Summary Diet and range of killer whales in the Southern Ocean and Australian waters;

insights from satellite tagging, fatty acid and stable isotope analysis.

This project will identify killer whale diet and foraging range within Australian waters and will provide new insights into killer whale feeding ecology and movement patterns. This information will help determine regional patterns and highlight distinct interactions between killer whales and their prey and will provide governments and management agencies with the best available forecasts when evaluating conservation and resource management strategies involving Southern Ocean and Australian killer whale populations. As apex predators, killer whales can have very strong influences over marine trophic systems and their removal can have disastrous on local marine biodiversity. Listed as data deficient under the IUCN red list, Australian and Southern Ocean killer whale populations are vulnerable to habitat depletion through climate change and use conflicts, so defining their range and diet is extremely important.

This study will use biochemical techniques (signature fatty acids and stable isotope analysis) and satellite tagging of killer whales at locations off Eastern Australia to address gaps in understanding killer whale diet, foraging range and population connectivity. This work will help provide broader insights into killer whale ecology enabling an assessment of regional patterns while highlighting distinct interactions between killer whales and their prey.

Ben Sellers, PhD candidate E- [email protected] P-

::t%-

Assoc Prof Patti Virtue, Senior Research Fellow -IMAS/CSIRO E- [email protected] p-

Date: 01/12/2016 Date: 01/12/2016

GRIGaS Provider Code: 005868 GOVERNMENT

INSTITUTE FOR MARINE AND ANTARCTIC STUDIES - IN COLLABORATION WITH THE TASMANIAN STATE

CISI5 UNIVERSITYo! ~TASMANIA Office of Research Services

Phone : 03 62267283

Fax: 0362267148 Animal Ethics Committee Approval of Modification of Initial application [email protected]

To: Dr Patti Virtue

From: Christy Nixon

Date: 11 November 2016

Project: A0015802 - Diet of killer whales in the Southern Ocean: Insights from signature fatty acids and stable isotopes

Modification Approved on: 11 November 2016

The Animal Ethics Committee has approved your request to modify the above project and a copy of the modified initial application is attached.

As the Responsible Investigator, we re-confirm that you must ensure that:

1. All aspects of the work conform to the requirements of the current edition of the Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 8th edition 2013

2. The project is conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Tasmanian Veterinary Surgeons Act 1987 and Veterinary Surgeons Regulations 2012. Ifthe project involves a veterinary service or other animal service, it is your responsibility to contact the University Veterinarian to discuss the legal requirements of competency assessment.

3. The University Veterinarian and the Animal Ethics Committee are promptly notified of any unexpected event which was not considered in the initial application and impacts on the welfare of any animal directly or indirectly involved in the project.

4. You contact the University Veterinarian to advise when and where your experiments will be conducted. Sufficient notice needs to be given so that an inspection can be easily arranged.

5. In the event of any unexpected death, you contact the University Veterinarian to perform an autopsy.

6. A full record is maintained of all animals used in this project. If at any stage you anticipate the need to use additional animals this must be communicated to the committee before use. Using additional animals without AEC approval is a breach of your ethics permit.

7. The approval is given on the understanding that Animal Ethics Training has been undertaken. If not, as an interim measure, researchers involved in the study must successfully carry out the MyLo Animal Ethics Online Training module.

Christy Nixon Research Operations Administration Officer Office of Research Services University of Tasmania Level 3, 301 Sandy Bay Rd Hobart TAS 7000

T: +613 6226 7592 I E: [email protected] www.utas.edu.au/research

~ UNIVERSITY of ~TASMANIA

Research Services University of Tasmania Private Bag 01 Hobart, Tasmania 7001 Tel: (03) 62267283 Fax: (03) 62267148

'1i UNIVERSITYof TASMANIA

University of Tasmania Animal Ethics Committee

INITIAL APPLICATION FORM [email protected]

Please submit the completed and SIGNED form electronically (hard copies are not required). The AEC process can take up to 8 weeks so please consider this when planning your project start date.

Note: • The Responsible Investigator and Nominee must be UTAS employees. • This form should be completed using the Instructions for applying for ethics approval sheet on the UTAS Animal Ethics website. • Some questions have associated endnotes which provide essential information and expansions on the questions. It is essential that you read them when completing this form. Hover the curser over references numbers where available in order to see the associated relevant endnotes.

Details of the Project (Please type in the boxes provided)

Project Title 1 Diet of killer whales in the Southern Ocean: insights from signature fatty acids and stable isotopes Dr Patti Virtue Senior Research Fellow IMAS Responsible Investigator 2

School or Discipline

Nominee''

IMAS

Professor Mark Hindell Ben Sellers PhD candidate IMAS Dr Frederique Olivier research associate IMAS Mr John Totterdell external researcher Mr David Donnelly external researcher 31/08/2016

Associate Investigators (include position)

Project Commencement Date Is this an Honours project or does it incorporate an Honours project? No

Declaration by Head of School (in some cases the head of discipline may be more appropriate)

NB: If the Head of School or Discipline is one of the investigators, an appropriate person must sign the following statement of scientific/educational merit. This will normally be the Head of School or Discipline in a related area.

• I consider that the research investigation or teaching activity detailed in this application is justified on scientific and/or educational grounds;

• I confirm that facilities are available to ensure the welfare of the animals whilst they are in my department; • I am satisfied that all personnel who will be involved with the proposed investigation are familiar and will comply

with all relevant Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation and the requirements of the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes s" edition 2013;

• I shall ensure, as far as I am able, that I will comply with the principles of the Code throughout the investigation.

Head of School or Discipline Name of Head of School or Discipline: Professor Craig Johnson

Signature: .

Date: Click here to enter a date.

Animal Ethics committee Initial Application Form March 2016 Page 1 of 25

~---------------------------------------------------------------------------------~

1. Primary Purpose: Please highlight option

T eaching,__=-_-c'O Higher Degree Research] Staff Research Teaching and Research

• Teaching covers all teaching activities and vocational training conducted by and/or involving UT AS staff and/or students including high school and college teaching activities and demonstrations. If you have selected this option, you must also complete Attachment A relevant to teaching activities at the end of this document.

• If you have selected Teaching and Research you must also complete Attachments A and B relevant to teaching activities at the end of this document.

2. Overview of the Project It is important to give a clear description in plain English because not all members of the committee are scientists (maximum It, page per answer please)

2.1 Which of the following aspects of the code does your project address? Please highlight an option:

Increasing our understanding of humans or animals

• Maintaining or improving human and/or animal welfare

• Improving animal management or production

• Understanding, maintaining or imRroving the natural environment

• Achieving educational objectives

2.2 What is the background that has led to this project? Killer whale populations in Australian waters are highly understudied and are coming under increasing pressure through interactions with the scientific community, tour operators, and commercial fishing. However detailed information on their major food sources is severely limited. It is highly likely that there are distinct populations with clearly defined prey preferences and well established geographical ranges (Pitman et al. 2003, Morin et al. 2010& Pitman et al. 2011).

2.3 What are the major aims of the project? This study aims to assess the following population demographics:

• Define key prey for killer whale populations in Australian waters. • Describe killer whale ecotypes for Australian killer whale populations. • Describe foraging range of Australian killer whale populations. • Define population connectivity of Australian killer whale populations.

2.4 What are the anticipated benefits that justify this project? This research will provide new insights into killer whale feeding ecology and movement patterns and we will further develop biochemical techniques for dietary studies specifically for whales. More importantly we will provide governments and management agencies with the best available forecasts when evaluating conservation strategies involving Southern Ocean killer whale populations.


2.5 What will actually happen to the animals? (This is to provide a context for your project. A more detailed answer is required in Question 5) Killer whales tissue biopsies will be collected from a range of 5 to 15 m using a crossbow of 90 Ib draw weight (Excalibur Apex). Animals will be sampled and a small amount of skin and blubber (approx. 2cm) will be collected using the biopsy darts. The same procedure will be used to attach limpet tags using a crossbow of draw weight 150 Ib (Excalibur Vixen), but the animal target area will differ. Physical impact on the animal will be a small biopsy hole Bmm diameter in the case of biopsies and the attachment of a 69g tag to the dorsal fin for tagging purposes, tag attachment duration ranges depending on success of tagging method but not more than 110 days.

More information is required regarding the methodology and timeframe for the Biopsy and Tagging procedures. It is unclear how will the two procedures be carried out.

Following sighting of a cetacean of interest, and upon assessment that sampling is appropriate (behaviour of cetaceans, conditions at sea); the individual is approached and darted with the biopsy dart from the assembled crossbow biopsy system or tagged with a LIMPET satellite tag using the same method. If biopsied the biopsy dart is retrieved and the sample is extracted and stored in a small cryogenic vial and placed on ice before being transferred to in liquid nitrogen. In both scenarios the cetacean's behavioural response is monitored and notes are recorded on data sheets. Numerous studies report on responses of cetaceans to biopsy darting and satellite tagging and the exemplar is attached.

Cetaceans are approached to distances of 5-25m on small (generally <7m) research vessels for attempted biopsy sampling and satellite tagging. Slow speeds are maintained so as not to disturb/startle cetaceans. The animals are always aware of our presence (motor noise). An assessment by professional and experienced personnel is made as to whether sampling is appropriate and likely to be successful with minimal disturbance to animals.

The individual's behaviour is observed and recorded, together with information on group composition, age class and other information of interest. Based on our location, environmental conditions, cetacean behaviour and the presence/absence of small calves, we determine whether the situation is suitable for biopsy sampling or satellite tagging. If conditions are favourable, approaches are made to the cetaceans and darting/tagging is attempted.

Both biopsy sampling and satellite tagging only takes place in appropriate conditions (no rain, light winds and seas less than l.Om). Attempts to dart cetaceans are only made when they are between four and 20 metres from the vessel and 5-15m for tagging. In most circumstances, cetaceans are darted or tagged only after identification photographs have been taken. Only cetaceans in robust nutritional condition (based on assessment oftheir dorsal epaxial muscle mass on either side of their dorsal fin, as documented by Puglia res et aI., 2007) will be sampled; those in thin to emaciated condition will not.

During darting/tagging attempts, the arbalester stands in the bow ofthe boat. Another researcher stands behind the sampler taking identification photos. A third person drives the boat and a fourth person (optional) is responsible for retrieving darts and recording notes. Immediately after successful darting, the dart is retrieved using a hand-net. All personnel confer on behavioural responses and appropriate data is recorded.

Biopsy samples are taken from lateral to and below the dorsal fin, where the blubber layer is thickest. The dart strikes the cetacean, penetrates to a stop (generally 4-5mm into the blubber layer), then bounces off and floats on the water surface for collection.

Deployment of 'dart' tags with satellite transmitters (SPOT5model, Wildlife Computers, Redmond, WA, USA; http://www.wildlifecomputers.com/) will follow similar procedures. These small (63 g) tags are attached with two barbed titanium posts which penetrate 6.5 cm into the dorsal fin. Tags will be deployed using a crossbow bolt fired at ranges from 5 to 15 m using a crossbow of 150 Ib draw weight; the bolt falls away on contact with the whale, leaving only the tag attached. The target area for tagging procedures is the base of the dorsal fin.


LIMPET Tag attached to dorsal fin of adult male killer whale (Pitman & Ensor et 01.2003)

During and following sampling events, cetacean behaviour is monitored by experienced observers. If either the sampled individual or other group members display behaviour indicative of being disturbed (e.g. repeated rapid surfacing and dives in a direction away from the boat), sampling efforts are terminated and the research team moves away.

Digital photographs ofthe sampling event are obtained whenever possible to allow for individual identification of those cetaceans sampled. If a sampled cetacean is resighted days, months and years following sampling, efforts are made to photograph the biopsy wound to ensure normal healing.

Attempted darting generally results in mild, short-term 'flinch' or 'buck' reactions, with most cetaceans then continuing their pre-biopsy behaviour and remaining in the vicinity of the research boat [Krutzen et al., 2002). Studies on killer whales in multiple geographic areas (by Barrett-Lennard, et al. (1996), Hoelzel et al. (1998), Herman et al. (2005), Ford (2000) and others) have shown that killer whales tend to react equally to the darting procedure regardless of being hit or missed - indicating the reaction is primarily a result of the unexpected disturbance (i.e. a 'startle response' regardless of whether the dart strikes the animal or the water next to it). Additionally, the crossbow system elicits the same reactions irrespective of sex, size, age or population, making it a particularly useful system for darting cetaceans in all coastal habitats. Biopsied individuals in Exmouth, Coral Bay, and Bremer Bay, Western Australia, as well as in various locations along the New South Wales coast, have not altered their long-term behaviour since they are still easily approached for systematic surveys and individual focal follows (Totterdell and Pitman, personal observations).

Research vessels are generally in the vicinitv of cetaceans for between 5 mins and 1 hour for photo-identification and behavioral observations. Approaches for biopsy sampling and tagging are generally limited to 15-20 mins. The 'actual procedure' is instantaneous and usually occurs within the first 15 mins of approaching cetaceans. To avoid harassment of cetaceans, darting attempts cease if animals display active avoidance of the research vessel or we have not obtained a sample after 15-20 mins. If a dart strikes a killer whale but no sample is obtained, one week must elapse before another attempt is made to dart the same individual. If a dart completely misses a killer whale, we may try again the same day, provided the killer whale shows no evidence of changed behaviour (i.e. no flinch or other reaction), and continues to follow the boat.

This procedure must only be performed by personnel approved as competent or under the direct supervision of a competent person. The only UTAS members who are sufficiently trained and competent in the use of this equipment/technique are Ben Sellers and Dr Patti Virtue. Should a new UTAS member without experience be required to use it, they must first receive training and guidance by one or more of the aforementioned personnel. Should a new UTAS member with experience (i.e. training elsewhere) be required to use it, this action must first be approved by one or more of the aforementioned personnel after assessment of their level of competency has occurred, providing it is deemed adequate (if not, then further training and guidance must take place, as per a new, inexperienced member).

A current firearms licence is required. All individual UTAS personnel trained in use ofthe crossbow must hold a current


I A.B firearms licence.

3. Are precise numbers of animals known? Yes / No In answering this question, please consider potential mortalities associated with transportation, housing, specific transgenic lines etc., that could occur in addition to mortalities as a direct result of your research. (Important note: If additional numbers are anticipated during the course of the research, the AEC must be notified in advance).

• If yes, insert the precise numbers on the table marked 3.1. • If no, please provide your estimated numbers in Table 3.2.

(Please note that these numbers can be modified annually)

I 3.1 Precise Numbers Please Note: any discrepancies between the number of animals required and the number of animals delivered by a supplier MUST be addressed. If numbers cannot be precise, it may be more appropriate to complete Table 3.2 Estimated Numbers. Full details of the fate of all animals that have been oversupplied must be included in your annual report.

Species Strain Year No to No to Source" Location''

I (common and scientific names) (if applicable) be used be killed

I Total

1 2 3

Total 1 2 3

Total Note: In the case of lab animals, in the space below, please advise whether strains are GMO'S, Knockout, Knockin or Mutations.

3.2 Estimated Numbers Note:

Estimating exact numbers for projects is difficult and the AEC does take this in to consideration, however, the information is required under the Code of Practice so make the best estimate and explain why it is not possible to be more accurate (eg. Trapping has not been carried out in this area before.) You will need to keep the AEC regularly informed if the numbers exceed your estimate or animals you did not specify in the application. If the project runs into a second/third year you will be expected to be more accurate with your estimates in your Reporting Form. If numbers are increased you will need to submit an Application to modify an approved project.

Click here to enter text.

Species Strain Year No to No to

Source Location (common and scientific names) (if applicable) be used be killed

Killer whale (Orcinus orca) 1 15 0 Wild 1 caught Killer whale (Orcinus orca) 2 15 0 Wild caught 1 Killer whale (Orcinus orca) 3 15 0 Wild caught 1

Total 45 0 Wild caught 1 1 2 3

Total 1 2 3

Total


Please justify the statistical validity for the number of animals requested Principal component analysis in the form of Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components will be completed using R Studio this will provide a visual representation of killer whale dietary FA and closely associated prey species. Stable isotopes will be analysed using a standard linear mixed model methodology, in particular IsoSource (Phillips & Gregg, 2003). Optimal sample sizes for these analyses are 15 or more individuals for a sample group.

It is noted that 15 animals per year have been requested, what are the chances of researchers encountering this minimum number?

There is a very high chance of collecting 15 biopsies per year. The East Australia population of killer whales numbers in the high 100's and is regularly sighted in Tasmanian waters during the summer months, most commonly around the Taman Peninsular and Tasman Island but also all along the east and north east coast of Tasmania. Biopsies have already been collected by MIRG for both the Southern Western Australia Population (20 biopsies collected in April 2016) and the Western Australia (Coral Coast) population 17 biopsies collected 2015-2016 by MIRG. All biopsies were collected using the same technique and equipment as outlined here and the operators have trained PhD Ben Sellers in these procedures during the April 2016 research trip from Bremer Bay.

The RI is asked to provide more information about whale populations and how many whales will be targeted from each population.

It is thought that there are potentially 4 main killer whale populations in Australian waters; Western Australia (coral coast), South Western Australia (Albany, Bremer Bay, Esperance), Eastern Australia (southern Queensland to Southern Victoria and Tasmania) and a subtropical population sighted west of Darwin (Fog Bay) to Torres Strait. There is extremely limited research available regarding the Australian Killer whales populations hence the importance of the project, it is unknown how far these populations range, their numbers, to what extent they are connected and what food sources they are feeding on, these are all questions this project is attempting to answer. 15 biopsies from each of the 3 main populations (WA, SWA, & East Aus) is sufficient to conduct a range of analyses and provide robust results regarding killer whale diet. 1-2 tagged individuals per population will provide extremely rare and valuable information regarding their home range and foraging behaviour. While 15 biopsies would provide highly valuable results the study could still operate effectively with a lower number but based on the sample sizes already collected it is estimated that 15 will be achievable for each sampling event.

3.3 Please state the expected mortality rate for the animals listed above. o 3.3 Are you requesting single sex animals only, if so please justify. NO

Comments:

4. Procedures - Please classify the proposed procedures (please choose Yes or No. Refer to the detailed endnotes for additional information)


I 1. Field study/capture or study of free-living (including feral) animals 6

2. Marking or tagging 7

No

Yes

3. Behaviour observations No

4. Harvesting of tissues from dead animals No

5. Dissection of dead animals No

6. Anaesthesia with subsequent recovery 8 No

7. Anaesthesia without subsequent recovery 9 No

8. Surgical procedures 10 Yes

9. Use of neuromuscular blockers 11 No

10. I nfection with microbial agents and/or parasites/ testing of toxins 12 No

11. Implantation/attachment of electrodes, catheters, transmitters, collars,

telemetry devices etc."

12. Blood sampling 14

Yes

No

13. Production of antisera 15 No

14. Forced exercise 16 No

15. Feeding studies, including diet modification 17 No

17. Animals with altered genetic make-up (manipulated, modified, naturally occurring mutation) 18

No

18. Administration of pharmaceutical agents 19 No

19. Death as an endpoint (e.g. for toxicological studies) 20 No

20. If there are other procedures, please detail in the box below: No


5. Detailed Procedures 21 It is important to provide details (sequentially) on what happens to the animal/s from the time you obtain them until the time the project is completed. It is useful to include images where possible. Please ensure that each procedure marked Yes in the table above is described in detail as per the endnotes (provided after the selected procedures). Please include a flow chart or sequence of events table. Your step by step description of what will happen to each animal should include the following:

• Transport, acclimation and conditions of housing and handling; • Experimental and other procedures, including dose and route of any substance or treatment given and method,

volume and frequency of samples collected; • Surgical and related procedures including dose of anaesthetic, analgesic and tranquillising agents and methods

of monitoring their adequacy and side effects; • The sequence and timing of events from start to finish for individual animals or groups;


• The arrangements for the animal at the completion of the project, including, if applicable, the method of humane killing;

• Include details of the maximum time any individual animal will be held under experimental conditions; • Include details of where procedures are to be carried out.

Please also refer to the attached checklist to ensure all details have been considered.

Both biopsy and tagging procedures will be conducted from small boats in open waters with identified whales approached slowly to within the specified range. For biopsies the arbalester should always aim high on the lateral side of the animal, the target region is the whale's dorsum, ventral to the dorsal fin. Killer whale tissue biopsies will be collected using Easton Aluminium Carbon Composite 3-71 floatation darts (manufactured by Finn Larsen - Cetadart) fired from a crossbow of 90 Ib draw weight. The dimensions of the biopsy cutting head are 4.0 cm length x 0.8 cm diameter. Deployment of 'dart' tags with satellite transmitters (SPOT5model, Wildlife Computers, Redmond, WA, USA; http://www.wildlifecomputers.com/) will follow similar procedures. These small (63 g) tags are attached with two barbed titanium posts which penetrate 6.5 cm into the dorsal fin. Tags will be deployed using a crossbow bolt fired at ranges from 5 to 15 m using a crossbow of 150 Ib draw weight; the bolt falls away on contact with the whale, leaving only the tag attached. The target area for tagging procedures is the base of the dorsal fin.

The safety of the bowman working from an unstable platform was of some concern. The RI is asked to comment and advise if the bowman is accredited and how the weapons are cared for.

The Arbalester (bowman) is fully accredited under Tasmanian law as required by Tasmania police regulations and holds a current A, B firearms licence. The arbalester is responsible for biopsy operations, including the safety and handling of the crossbow, bolts, cutting tips, ensuring that there are sufficient supplies, conducts daily maintenance, safety checks and repairs to the crossbow and bolts. Pre use checklist includes

• Examine your crossbow for worn, loose, damaged or missing parts.

• Replace frayed or worn strings, cables, and draw cords prior to shooting.

• Lubricate the rail, or barrel, with light-grade oil.

• Lubricate the trigger box, inside the trigger slot, and on both sides of the safety slide.

• Wax the length of the crossbow string (except the serving) and cables, burnishing it in with your fingers.

• Tighten screws and bolts.

• Check all your accessories for missing or damaged parts and replace or repair as necessary.

Safety is the first and foremost responsibility at a/l times during crossbow biopsy operations. There is zero tolerance for any conduct or procedure that may in any way be dangerous for either a co-worker or an animal. In the excitement of the operations, people who are inexperienced and those who have not developed good safety habits may put themselves or other members of the team at risk. Everyone involved in a biopsy operation should be vigilant about safety and quick to point out anything they believe may be a safety risk.

During boat operations safe operating speeds are to be maintained at all times. All cetaceans react differently when being approached and the small boat operator should have a repertoire of numerous approach techniques for several cetacean species. It is acceptable for the arbalester to have the crossbow cocked and ready with the safety in the lion" position; however, a bolt should not be loaded into the firing position until just prior to a darting attempt. A cocked and loaded crossbow should never be placed on the boat deck. Always remove the bolt and un-cock the crossbow if it is not in use. Following a shot, extreme caution will be exercised during the bolt retrieval process-It is always possible that someone could lose their balance and go overboard when retrieving the floating bolt from the water.

The crossbow is equipped with a manually engaged safety catch. This system is stronger and more reliable than an


automatic safety under hunting conditions, but requires your attention to move it to the safe (down) position when the crossbow is cocked. Immediately upon cocking the crossbow you must set the safety, before removing your foot from the stirrup to pick it up. Never disengage the safety catch until you are ready to shoot and the bow is pointed in a safe direction. Be sure to re-engage the safety if you do not shoot! Always remember to treat your crossbow with the same respect due any sporting arm. Never point your crossbow at anything you do not intend to shoot. After cocking your crossbow always ensure that the safety is properly engaged immediately. Never release the safety until you are ready to shoot. Always unstring your bow if it is to be exposed to extreme heat, such as in an enclosed area on a hot day. Excessive heat may damage the limbs (prod) of your crossbow. Replace the bow string as soon as it shows any significant sign of wear. Be sure of your target. Be aware of what is beyond your target. Before shooting, be sure the crossbow limbs (prod) will not strike other obstacles. Inspect your arrows regularly for signs of wear, splits, dents or anything that might weaken them. Tremendous stress is placed on crossbow arrows as they are released and damaged arrows could break causing possible injury to the arbalester. Never place any part of your body into the path of the string or limb travel when your crossbow is cocked. Be sure that your fingers and thumb are below the crossbows deck before every shot.

6. Monitoring by Investigators - Please detail below how the well-being of animals will be assessed throughout the project.

6.1 Provide details of the location, the method and frequency of day-to-day monitoring of animals before, during and after procedures (Please attach to your application a copy of the check sheet you will use to record this information)

Animals will be opportunistically sampled, monitoring before sampling will be conducted over a short period to ascertain the animals physical condition, approximate age (only adult/sub adult animals will be sampled) and sex.

Before Procedures:

During Procedures: Reaction to procedure will be noted in Biopsy, Harassment, Photo Log.

Animals will be tracked and monitored for a short amount of time to note any adverse reactions to procedure. If adverse reactions are noted they will be recorded in Biopsy, Harassment, Photo Log.

Information is required about the healing process of the wounds inflicted on the animals.

Wounds resulting from darting heal quickly and without complication. A study by Kurtzen et al. (2002) in Shark Bay on Tursiops Spp, showed that the mean number of days until wounds healed was 47.5 ± 24.2 days (n = 25). This is likely an overestimate as individuals could not be tracked on a daily basis. For four animals that could be monitored daily, the mean number of days until the wound was healed was 23.3 ± 5.6 days. For comparison: even large wounds inflicted by sharks heal relatively quickly (Corkeron et al., 1987; Drams and Deakin, 1997). This study involved Tursiops Spp (dolphins) a much smaller cetacean so the effect of darting and healing time for killer whales is significantly less.

After Procedures:

6.2. What clinical, behavioural or other signs will be used to indicate that intervention is needed to alleviate an animal's pain or suffering? What action will be taken if these indicators are reached? (Please attach a copy of the check sheet you will use to record this information to your application)


Not applicable, it would be impossible for a killer whale to be fatally injured by a biopsy dart or tagging dart.

The answer to Q.6.2, is noted, however further evidence is required regarding the safety of this procedure with Killer Whales. Has the technique been used previously and what if any significant adverse events have occurred?

This technique has been used extensively since it was first pioneered by Lance Barrett-Lennard in the 1990's with no adverse effects recorded; Barrett-Lennard, Smith and Ellis (1996) tested the effects of remote biopsy on the behaviour of killer whales around British Columbia, 91 killer whales were biopsied and no adverse effects were noted other than slight shakes or acceleration after the dart hits and/or misses. Sampled killer whales expressed no aversion to the research vessel one day after sampling. Hoelzel et al. (1998) biopsied 73 killer whales from California to Alasksa and also noted no adverse effects or changes to the sampled individuals behaviour. There have been extensive studies on killer whales in the north pacific, Arctic and Antarctic waters using remote biopsy and satellite tagging with no noted adverse events being recorded.

The RI is asked what behaviour would signal that the whale was suffering stress and what steps would be taken to mitigate this.

Biopsy of cetaceans is not without risk to researchers or animals, since a crossbow is in use on a moving vessel. Yet experienced personnel have not encountered any human or animal welfare concerns in many hundreds of biopsy sampling events. Experienced personnel conduct fieldwork in a measured and professional fashion so as to reduce the chance of mishap. Sampling is only ever attempted in appropriate conditions.

The greatest response recorded thus far during our combined biopsy experiences is: a tail flick associated with dart contact. Other studies have noted darts remaining attached to the animal for a period of time, this has not occurred in any sampling event for this set of researchers. In the rare instances where this has occurred in other studies, the dart dislodges shortly thereafter. These animals will be part of a long-term research program (3 years) and will be under observation from year to year with any long-term effects detectable.

Should an animal ever react in such a way that indicates distress in future, the research vessel will endeavour to stay alongside and monitor the animal(s). In such a case, a researcher will attempt to provide whatever intervention is required e.g. removal of dart. The animal will continue to be monitored until such time as they are deemed able to support themselves, or the major health or welfare issue has been controlled.

It is not likely that a veterinarian will be immediately available. Given the nature of marine fieldwork on cetaceans and their size, handling and transport of an animal is unlikely to be feasible. It should be noted here, however, that such an event occurring due to use of this biopsy system is extremely unlikely, and has not occurred in any previous biopsy attempts.

Any injured, stranded, deceased or entangled cetaceans encountered should be reported to Department of Primary Industries Parks, Water and Environment Marine Conservation Program Wildlife Management Branch Whale Hotline 0427 942537 or directly to Dr Kris Carlyon on 03 6165 4342 (office), or by email [email protected]

6.3 Who will be responsible for the management of veterinary and other emergencies and how will it be ensured that researchers are aware of the person's location and know how to contact them quickly?

Benjamin Sellers and Dr Patti Virtue will have responsibility for management of emergencies. Use of a satellite phone will allow for rapid response to any situation that arises where mobile coverage or marine radio (VHF/MHz/MF/HF) radio is not available. An epirb will be on hand for emergencies. A pre-trip plan will be lodged with our IMAS officer specifying trip locations and timings. Family members of all parties will have details of the field trip and a clear contingency plan covering all circumstances. Details will also be lodged in field tec.

Location


7.1 If the study is taking place on UT AS premises, please state exactly where.

NA

7.2 If the study is not taking place on UT AS premises, please state exactly where.

Tasmanian state waters and commonwealth waters South of Bicheno and North of South Bruny Island, exact location will vary between these points.

8. Replacement (Code of Practice 1.18 - 1.20)

Please provide an explanation as to why animals are needed for the project. Please include: • a list of any potential alternatives to animal use; • whether any of these alternatives are being used in this project, and if not; • why alternatives are unsuitable for this project.

This project relates directly to the diet of killer whales, the only alternative to determine their diet is general observation which is extremely limited as killer whales spend 98% of their time below the water and rarely take prey on the surface (Ford et al. 2000). This project is also incorporating general observation of prey interactions; however remote biopsy offers a non-invasive technique that allows for the investigation of prey consumed over months through the analysis of signature fatty acids and stable isotopes in a consumers tissue (Iverson et al. 1997, Herman et al. 2005 & Waugh et al. 2012).

9. Reduction (Code of Practice 1.21 - 1.27)

9.1 On the basis of experimental design and statistical analysis, explain why this number of animals will be required. Include details of your estimation of animals required to cover mortalities due to events outside your research i.e. death during transportation etc. This must be the minimum number of animals that is necessary in order to obtain a valid result.

Based on experimental design and incorporating statistical methodology requirements a minimum of 15 animals will need to be sampled at this site. Principal component analysis in the form of Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components will be completed using R Studio this will provide a visual representation of killer whale dietary FA and closely associated prey species. Stable isotopes will be analysed using a standard linear mixed model methodology, in particular IsoSource (Phillips and Gregg, 2003). Optimal sample sizes for these analyses are 15 or more individuals fora sample group.

9.2 Is there an opportunity for sharing of tissue or animals used in the project?

No


10. Refinement (Code of Practice 1.28 - 1.30)

What measures will be taken to reduce the impact of the investigation on the animals to be used? Refinement might be achieved in a number of areas e.g. research design, procedures, housing conditions, animal handling.

Best practice biopsy techniques combined with correct boat operation around cetaceans will minimise interactions and undue stress on animals sampled. Ben has undertaken training with Robert Pitman National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration and John Totterdell from Marine Information Research Group who together have more than 40 years' experience working with marine mammals using tagging and biopsy techniques.

11. Animal Welfare Impact

11.1 What degree of pain, suffering or distress will be experienced by the animals during the project and how will this be measured?

Pain, impact, and suffering are considered negligible using this technique. The biopsy cutting head is Bmm in diameter and 4 cm long, while the tag attachments are 6cm long with both methods being used on an animal that grows up to 10 meters in length and can weigh 10 tonnes. The animals usually do not react to either procedure. Any reaction to procedure will be noted in Biopsy, Harassment, Photo Log.

11.2 Please justify the level of pain, suffering or distress (Code of Practice 2.7.4 v) NB: Particular justification must be given for potentially severe or ethically contentious procedures, e.g:

Unrelieved pain and distress including where the planned end-points will allow severe adverse effects to occur (see Code of Practice ; Death as the end point; Prolonged restraint or confinement; Production of monoclonal antibodies by the ascites method (Code of Practice 3.3.31) and The use of non-human primates (Code of Practice 2.4.8 iv).

I Not Applicable

11.3 What factors affecting the wellbeing of animals will lead to premature termination of the experiment, and how will this be assessed, e.g.

• Tumour size; • Maximum weight loss; • Excess stress of the animals.

I Not Applicable

12. Repeated use of Animals (Code of Practice 1.22, 1.23 and 2.3.15)

Have the animals been used in a previous project? Yes / No If yes the AEC will need to determine the total impact on the welfare of the animals' involvement in multiple projects.


Please provide details, particularly with regard to the following: Briefly describe the procedures that each animal or group of animals has been subjected to in the previous project. Highlight any pain, distress or potential cumulative effects of previous procedures. Also describe the time the animal has been used in previous projecUs, the recovery period between projects and the total time the animal has been used.

13. Fate of the Animals 13.1 What will happen to the animals when you have finished with them?

Animals are sampled in situ; they are not caught or restrained in any fashion.

13.2 If animals are to be killed, please explain how this will be done?

NA

13.3 Will any animals be killed in the presence of other animals? Please justify.

NA

13.4 Who will kill the animals?

NA

14. Risks 14.1 Please specify any special risks to other animals or humans arising from the project.

There are no special risks to humans or other animals during the biopsy/tagging procedure.

14.21n the case offield work, what is your emergency plan for accidents involving humans?

Any accident involving humans will be assessed according WHS policy and appropriate action taken with regards to University WHS policy. Use of a satellite phone will allow for rapid response to any situation that arises where mobile coverage or marine radio (VHF/MHzlMF/HF) radio is not available. An epirb will be on hand for emergencies. A pre-trip plan will be lodged with our IMAS officer specifying trip locations and timings. Family members of all parties will have details of the field trip and a clear contingency plan covering all circumstances. Details will also be lodged in field tec.

15. Funding

15.1 If you have submitted a grant application, please provide the University of Tasmania Grant Reference Number

NA


15.3 If your application for funding is unsuccessful, how do you intend to fund the project?

NA

16. References

Please provide full details of any references referred to in the text of this application.

Barrett-Lennard, B.G., Smith, T.G., & Ellis, G.M. (1996) A cetacean biopsy system using lightweight pneumatic darts, and its effect on the behaviour of killer whales. Marine Mammal Science, 12(1): 14-27.

Corkeron, P.J., Morris, RJ., Bryden, M.M., 1987. A note on healing on large wounds in bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. Aquatic Mammals 13, 96-98.

Ford JKB, Ellis GM, Balcomb KC (2000) Killer whales: the natural history and genealogy of Orcinus orca in British Columbia and Washington State, 2nd edn. UBC Press, Vancouver, BC.

Herman, D.P., Burrows, D.G., Wade, P.R, Durban, J.W., Matkin, C.O., LeDuc, RG., Barrett Lennard, L.H., & Krahn, M.M. (2005). Feeding ecology of eastern North Pacific killer whales Orcin us orca from fatty acid, stable isotope, and organochlorine analyses of blubber biopsies. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 302: 275-291.

Hoelzel, AR, Dahlheim, M., & Stern, S.J. (1998) Low genetic variation among killer whales (Orcinus orca) in the eastern north pacific and genetic differentiation between foraging specialists. Journal of Heredity, 89(2): 121-128.

Iverson, S.J., Frost, K.J., & Lowry, L.F. (1997) Fatty acid signatures reveal fine scale structure of foraging distribution of harbor seals and their prey in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 151: 255-271.

Krotzen, M., Barre, L.M., Moller, L.M., Heithaus, M.R., Simms, C., Sherwin, W.B., 2002. A biopsy system for small cetaceans: darting success and wound healing in Tursiops spp. Marine Mammal Science 18, 863-878.

Morin, P.A, Archer, F.I., Foote, AD., Vilstrup, J., Allen, E.E., Wade, P., Durban, J., Parsons, K., Pitman, R, Li, L., Bouffard, P., Abel Nielsen, S.C., Rasmussen, M., Willerslev, E., Thomas, M., Gilbert, P., & Harkins, T. (2010) Complete mitochondrial genome phylogeographic analysis of killer whales (Orcinus orca) indicates multiple species. Genome Res. 20: 908-916.

Orams, M.B., Deakin, R.B., 1997. Report on the healing of a large wound in a Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus. In: M. Hindell, C.M. Kemper (Eds.), Marine Mammal Research in the Southern Hemisphere Volume I: Status, Ecology and Medicine. Beatty and Sons, Chipping Norton, pp. 170-173.

Pitman, RL. & Ensor, P. (2003). Three forms of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Antarctic waters. J. Cetacean Res. Manage. 5: 131-139.

Pitman, R.L., Durban, J.W., Greenfelder, M., Guinet, C., Jorgensen, M., Olson, P.A, Plana, J., Tixier, P., & Towers, J.R (2011). Observations of a distinctive morphotype of killer whale (Orcinus orca), type D, from subantarctic waters. Polar BioI. 34: 303-306.

Pugliares, K.R., Bogomolni, A., Touhey, K.M., Herzig, S.M., Harry, C.T., Moore, M.J.,


2007. Marine mammal necropsy: an introductory guide for stranding responders and field biologists. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Technical Report WHOI-2007- 06, p. 55.

Waugh, C.A., Nichols, P.O., Noad, M.C., Bengston Nash, S. (2012). Lipid and fatty acid profiles of migrating Southern Hemisphere humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae. Mar Ecol Prog Ser. 471: 271-281.

17. Personnel On the following tables, list the qualifications, experience and ethics training of all personnel in this project who will be involved with live animals. Detail their experience with the species being used as well as the procedures being undertaken. In particular, when surgical or other procedures are involved, the Committee will look closely at investigators' experience before giving approval.

Please ensure that all investigators read the following declaration: • I am familiar and will comply with all relevant Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation and the

requirements of the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes s" edition 2013.

• I accept that I have a responsibility to ensure that the investigations and procedures proposed in this form are conducted fully within the conditions laid down by the Code and I undertake not to use any animals or carry out any procedures which have not been approved by the Committee.

• I accept that the responsible investigator has ultimate responsibility for the project.

All personnel involved in the project MUST si n this document before it can be submitted to the AEC I Responsible Investigator

First Name: Patti Title: Dr

Position: Surname: Senior Research Fellow IMAS Virtue

Email: P. [email protected] Telephone:

Fax: Telephone (Mobile) Click here to enter text. Click here to enter text.

When did you last undertake UTAS Ethics Training (Approximate date):

Signature: .

Date:

Nominee 22 (must be a UTAS employee with experience as a Responsible Investigator. The nominee is not necessarily an associate investigator on the project)

Title: Mr First Name: Benjamin

Surname: Sellers Position: PhD candidate

Email: [email protected] Telephone:

Telephone (Mobile) Fax: Click here to enter text.

School/Discipline: IMAS Internal Box No: Click here to enter text.

When did you last undertake UTAS Ethics Training (Approximate date): 5/05/2016


Signature: .

Date:

Associate Investigator 23

Title:

Surname:

Email:

Telephone (Mobile)

School/Discipline:

Dr

Olivier

First Name:

Position:

Telephone:

Fax:

[email protected]

Frederique

Research Associate


IMAS Internal Box No: Private bag 129

When did you last undertake UT AS Ethics Training (Approximate date): 2015

Signature: .

Date:

Associate Investigator

Title: Mr

Surname:

Email:

Telephone (Mobile)

School/Discipline:

Totterdell

[email protected]

First Name:

Position:

Telephone:

Fax:

John

External researcher



Click here to enter text. Internal Box No: Click here to enter text.

When did you last undertake UTAS Ethics training (Approximate date): 2016

Signature: .

Date:

Associate Investigator

Title:

Surname:

Email:

Telephone (Mobile)

Mr

Donnelly

[email protected]

First Name:

Position:

Telephone:

Fax:

David

External researcher




School/Discipline: Click here to enter text. Internal Box No: Click here to enter text.

When did you last attend an Ethics Training Seminar? (Approximate date): 2016

Signature: .

Date:

Please copy section and add additional investigators as required

Conflicts of Interest Do any of the researchers have a conflict of interest or what could be perceived as a conflict of interest?

Yes D No cg]

If yes, please provide details

A conflict of interest in the context of research exists where: • a person's individual interests or responsibilities have the potential to influence the carrying out of his or her institutional role

or professional obligations in research; or • an institution's interests or responsibilities have the potential to influence the carrying out of its research obligations.

A perception that a conflict of interest exists can be as serious as an actual conflict.

18. Competency Assessment

Note: Pursuant to the requirements of the Regulations to the Veterinary Surgeons Act 2012, persons conducting procedures defined as veterinary services'" for the purpose of research, including sedation, anaesthesia and euthanasia, unless defined as a prescribed services." are required to be assessed as competent in the procedure by a registered vet before commencing, and thereafter competence must be assessed annually. The University of Tasmania requires that the assessment of competency be made by the University Veterinarian and approved by the Animal Ethics Committee.

a. Please provide the information for the procedures involved clearly stating the details for each researcher. Please refer to Endnote 26 to obtain the required term for each Procedure.

Name of person/s Procedure'" Species Level of Experience Year last performing procedures Please list each separately (in which (no. of times procedure performed) performed

e.g handling & restraint, procedure None I Limited I High injection (route), trapping is proposed) «5) (5-20) (>20) (method), sampling (what & If inexperienced provide name of how) proposed trainer

Benjamin Sellers Remote Biopsy Killer Limited 5-20 2016 whale

John Totterdell Remote Biopsy Killer High 2016 whale

David Donnelly Remote Biopsy Killer High 2015 whale

John Totterdell Satellite Tag Killer Limited 2016 whale

David Donnelly Satellite Tag Killer Limited 2014 whale


b. If Animal Services staff from the Cambridge Farm Facility are involved in any techniques or procedures, please complete the Animal Services Staff competency listing sheet and submit it with your application.

c. If applicable, please provide a brief outline of your proposed training plan for each procedure identified in the above table. Include, for example, whether living and/or dead animals are used, an estimate of the number of repetitions required for competency and any formal theory sessions planned.

Details of completed training attached.

19. Other Authorities Involved

19.1 UTAS Cambridge Farm Facility (CFF) Yes / No

If the CFF is involved the Animal Services Manager, Mr Paul Scowen, must sign this document BEFORE you submit it to the AEC

Declaration by CFF Curator I have read this document and approve of the involvement of the CFF.

Name of CFF Curator: Click here to enter text.

Signature: : .

Date:

IBC Consulted Yes / No

19.2 Has Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) approval been obtained? Under the Australian Code of Practice all projects involving the genetic modification of animals must be conducted in accordance with the requirements and guidelines of the UTAS Institutional Biosafety Committee. When animals with an altered genetic makeup are to be included in the study, the IBC approval number must be provided.

IBC Approval Obtained Yes / No

• If approval has been obtained please append a copy of the approval and type the number below. If not, you must obtain and submit a copy of the approval to the AEC on receipt. Approval of a project may be suspended by the AEC if this is not provided

Approval Number/Comments:

If Yes, please provide details of the relevant authority (including approval numbers and dates). Please append copies of approval notifications.

19.3 External Authorities

Are there any external authorities involved in the project? Yes I No


Government departments? (re. approval of joint projects)27 Yes I No


Government departments? (re. provision of permits) Yes I No



Other Universities? Yes I No

Click here to enter text. Any other external authority e.g. industry partners, other institutions, other persons Yes I No

Declaration by External Authority If any external authorities are responsible for the daily care of animals a signature must be provided.


Other Animal Ethics Committee Yes I No Click here to enter text.

Name: Click here to enter text.

• I confirm that I will be responsible for the daily care of the animals for the research period.

Signature: .

Department/Organisation: Click here to enter text.

Date:

20. Use of animals for scientific purposes in Australian states other than Tasmania

Will you be using animals in another state? Yes / No

If yes, you must contact the relevant government department to ensure that necessary approvals are in place.

CHECKLIST Has the following information been provided?

Anaesthesia Fasting Induction - drug, dose, route Maintenance - drug, dose, route Methods of monitoring anaesthesia and recovery Additional support during anaesthesia and recovery (eg heat, intravenous fluids) Location of induction and recovery areas Restraint Expertise of personnel

Behaviour modification Stimulus (type, duration, frequency)

Blood/body fluid collection Volume Route Frequency Anaesthesia or analgesia

Surgery Anaesthesia Location of pre-operative preparation area Pre-operative preparation Surgical procedure (site, technique) Sterile technique (instruments, drapes, surgeon) Location of and housing in post-operative recovery area Post-operative management Post-operative monitoring (methods, frequency, duration) Use of analgesics (type, dose, route, frequency, means of determining necessity for use) Expertise of personnel

Tumour/neoplasia induction Method Site Endpoint Animal monitoring (methods, frequency)


Restraint Animal monitoring (methods, frequency)

Toxicology Substance Volume/dose Route Frequency of treatmenUtotal no per animals Local and systemic effects Anaesthesia or analgesia Restraint Animal monitoring (methods, frequency) Endpoint/duration

DieUwater modifications Type Amount Effects Measurement of intake Animal monitoring

Drug treatments Substance Volume/dose Route Frequency/total number per animals Local and systemic effects Anaesthesia or analgesia Possible side effects Restraint Expertise of personnel

Wildlife studies Location Methods Capture methods Handling/restraint Housing Monitoring Release Effects on population

Euthanasia Method Location (where procedure will be performed) Expertise of personnel

Transport Type Duration Confinement Numbers of animals Airconditioning Housing Location Isolation Group housing (stocking rates, sexes) Shelter Bedding Hiding areas Environmental enrichment Duration held Conditioning period

Genetic manipulation Methods Potential effects

Teaching Source of animals Housing Duration held Method of disposal

In-vitro studies Source of animals Duration held Euthanasia

ATTACHMENT A: TEACHING ACTIVITIES Please refer to Section 4 of the Code when completing this section.

It must be completed for all teaching activities (as indicated in Section A 1 of this form).

1. What is the maximum number of students to be supervised by each teacher?

I Click here to enter text.

2. Please specify the number of animals to be used by each student


3. What is the maximum number of times each animal will be used throughout this project?



4. How will the attainment of educational objectives be assessed?


ATTACHMENT B: DECLARATION FOR STUDENTS Declaration for students involved in a teaching project involving live animals,

and not named as an associate investigators (This sheet may be printed to allow for signatures, scanned and submitted with your application)

Animal Ethics Committee approval number:

Responsible investigator:

Click to Enter Text

Click to Enter Text

Please sign to certify the following:

• I am familiar and will comply with all relevant Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation and the requirements of the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes r" edition (2004);

• I accept that I have a responsibility to ensure that the investigations and procedures proposed in this form are conducted fully within the conditions laid down by the Code;

• I undertake not to use any animals or carry out any procedures which have not been approved by the Committee;

• I accept that the responsible investigator has ultimate responsibility for the project.

FULL NAME DATE SIGNATURE

Endnotes and further information relating to the form:

1 Title: The title should be concise but specific. Please include species name - both common and scientific.

2 Responsible (Chief) investigator: The Committee accepts the Australian Code policy that one person is ultimately responsible for the project. Accordingly, joint responsible investigators must not be named. The person named as the Responsible Investigator (RI) must be a member of the University staff on an academic or equivalent grade. Supervisors will therefore normally be the responsible investigators for projects involving honours and postgraduate students. The RI should at all times be aware of experimentation being conducted by members of a team.

3 Person who has experience as a Responsible Investigator and is qualified to take responsibility in the absence of the Responsible Investigator above.

4 Source: please detail where animals will be obtained. If the animals are from a native captive colony, please give the barcodes of all animals that will be used. If the animals are to be wild caught, you will need to obtain approval from the appropriate government department and forward a copy of the approval to the Executive Officer. You should refer to the Parks and Wildlife Code of Practice for the Keeping of Animals in Tasmania (September 2002) (please follow the link on the Animal Ethics webpage).


You should also append details of procedures to be followed in the event of any by-catch, including record keeping to be undertaken. If animals are to be released back into the wild you will need to provide detailed information on the release process.

5 'Location' refers to the state/country in which the animals were used. Please select one number from the list below. If the same species has been used in 2 or more different locations, please select number 10 and provide a breakdown of the number of animals used in each location in the 'Additional information' box below the table.

1. Tasmania 2. Victoria 3. New South Wales 4. Queensland 5. Northern Territory 6. South Australia 7. Western Australia 8. Australian Capital Territory 9. Overseas 10. Species used in more than one state/country (please provide a breakdown of the number of animals used in each

location in the 'Additional Information' box below the table).

You will need to include (with references) under 'Detailed Procedures' details on permits required for this study and whether they have been obtained/applied for. You should refer to the Parks and Wildlife Code of Practice for the Keeping of Animals in Tasmania (September 2002) (please follow the link on the Animal Ethics webpage). Detail the target species of the study and whether they are classified as rare/endangered. If you plan to capture the animals justify why this is necessary. Outline capture techniques, tools (including trap sizes, baits etc), timeframes (including frequencies of monitoring traps), release details (including times of release with references). Outline what emergency plans are in place in the case of unexpected incidents (eg weather conditions, illness etc) including provisions for animals captured with/without young and lactating animals. How will animals be handled/restrained? If transportation is required, describe how this will occur and included details on monitoring of animal s. How will individual animals be identified? If tracking devices will be implanted/attached, you will need to give detailed information on the size, weight and method of attachment and removal of the devices, and monitoring of the animals after implantation/attachment.

7 You will need to include (with references) under 'Detailed Procedures' details of size, colour, position, etc and method of marking and tagging. Outline why these methods are being used. If these methods have been used previously, please consider and outline any way the marking method could be refined.

8 You will need to include (with references) under 'Detailed Procedures' the type of anaesthesia and dose rates and administration routes to be used, methods of monitoring the level of anaesthesia, details of analgesics to be used (including dose rates, frequencies and administration routes), provide details of post operative care and monitoring during anaesthesia recovery and longer term post procedure, and contingency plans in the event of unexpected outcomes.

9 You will need to include (with references) under 'Detailed Procedures' the anaesthetic, the dose rate, administration route (s), who will conduct the anaesthesia and euthanasia, assessment methods for monitoring the level of anaesthesia, the method of disposal of euthanased animals and contingency plans in the event of unexpected outcomes.

10 You will need to include (with references) under 'Detailed Procedures' detailed information about the surgery, eg duration, personnel, location, aseptic and general surgical techniques to be employed, and possible complications associated with surgical procedures and protocols for management of complications.

11 Please note: neuromuscular blocking agents must not be used without adequate general anaesthesia or an appropriate surgical procedure that eliminates sensory awareness. You will need to include (with references) under 'Detailed Procedures' reasons why a neuromuscular blocking agent is required and what physiological parameters will be monitored to assess adequacy of anaesthesia.

12 You will need to include (with references) under 'Detailed Procedures' details on precisely what agents/parasites will be used in this study and what effect the agent(s)/parasite(s) will have on the subject animals. You should detail whether appropriate Institutional/State approval has been issued for the use of the agent(s)/parasite(s) and whether personnel involved with the project are aware of its use and effects, including animal house staff and associate investigators. Where will the infection take place and where will infected animals be housed? What level of microbiological containment is required and is this available in the designated experimental/housing sites?

13 You will need to include (with references) under 'Detailed Procedures' details of the size and position of implants etc, surgical or other procedures, post implantation/attachment wound management, timeframes, and plans for removal. Please include what


the most likely negative sequelae to implantation etc will be and how these will be managed. If the transmitters etc are to be removed, please detail how the animals will be monitored after removal (eg for wound breakdown etc).

14 You will need to include (with references) under 'Detailed Procedures' details on who will collect the blood, the anatomical location of the sampling, whether the animal will be sedated or anaesthetised (if so, how), the volume of blood to be taken (and the percentage this constitutes of the animal's circulating blood), the frequency of blood collection, measures of monitoring the animals and contingency plans in the event of unexpected outcomes.

15 You will need to include (with references) under 'Detailed Procedures' details of antigen and adjuvant including volume, routes and programme of administration. Please detail when the animals will be bled for sampling and for final collection of sera.

16 You will need to include (with references) under 'Detailed Procedures' what methods will be used to force exercise. Please include the following: What parameters will be measured to determine levels of exertion? What parameters are known (eg max speed, duration of max speed, ability to endure continued exercise) for the animal you are working with? You should detail what behaviour the animals would exhibit if excessively stressed, and include the criteria that will be used to determine that the animals are becoming excessively stressed leading to the termination of forced exercise.

17 You will need to include (with references) under 'Detailed Procedures' details of the normal maintenance requirements for the animals, growth requirements if animals are immature etc. How will the trial diets vary from the 'normal' diet? What are the possible negative outcomes from diet restriction and/or modification? What parameters will be used to measure the well being of the animal? What endpoints will be used in order to determine when or if an animal is not coping with the trial or diet modification and should be removed from the trial?

18 You will need to include (with references) under 'Detailed Procedures' the type and strain of genetic alteration; justify the use of such animals (in lay terms) and describe any expected impacts of the alteration in the genotype on the welfare of the animal. Please outline any problems associated with the housing or use of these animals and what level of containment is required. Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) approval MUST be sought for all projects that involve biohazards to other humans or animals and for all projects that involve the genetic modification of animals. Biohazards are infectious agents or hazardous biological materials that present a risk or potential risk to the health of humans, animals or the environment. The risk can be direct through infection or indirect through damage to the environment.

19 "You will need to include (with references) nder 'Detailed Procedures' a list of any analgesics or other medically related pharmaceutical agents that the animals may receive. Please include the identification, dose, and route of administration of these agents. Please identify any scheduled drugs and provide details of the source of these.

20 Death as an endpoint: When the death of an animal is the deliberate measure used for evaluating biological or chemical processes, responses or effects. That is, where the investigator or teacher with not intervene to kill the animal humanely before death occurs in the course of a scientific activity.

21 Detailed procedures: Give a clear step-by-step description of the design of the investigation and all procedures to be carried out on each group of animals (including controls) from the beginning to the end. The duration of all procedures and time sequence must also be clear. Flow charts, diagrams and/or tables may be helpful. Details should include treatment substances, dose rates, routes of administration, anaesthetic and analgesic regimes, method of euthanasia, identified end points, etc. if applicable. It must be clear which investigators will carry out particular procedures (refer to the checklist at the end of this form to check th at all details have been considered), and WHERE the procedures will be performed. The Committee must be satisfied that pain or distress to animals is avoided or, if this is not possible, minimised. Applications will be examined carefully in this respect. Investigators must give detailed and specific information about any procedures that have the potential to cause pain or distress. 22 Nominee: Normally one of the associate investigators will be named as the nominee. The nominee must be able to act as the responsible investigator when necessary and therefore must be a member of the University (or in the case of AMC applications, an AMC staff member) , staff on an academic or equivalent grade. In the event of the nominee not being an associate investigator he/she must nonetheless have thoroughly read the proposal and be fully conversant with the project. The nominee will assume the responsibilities of the Responsible Investigator during any absence of the CI.

23 Associate investigators: Any other persons who will perform procedures on live animals as part of a research project or teaching exercise must be named as associate investigators and must sign on the application form to confirm that they are familiar with the Australian Code. 'Procedures' include benign procedures/manipulations such as diet manipulation. For teaching practicals involving a number of undergraduate students, details must be provided on the Student Declaration Form found under the Animal Ethics Heading at: http://www.utas.edu.au/research/divisional-resources/forms

24 A "Veterinary Service" means any service that forms part of the practice of veterinary surgery and includes but is not limited to: the examination of, or attendance on, any animal for the purposes of diagnosing the physiological or pathological condition of the animal, including testing or imaging for diagnostic purposes;giving advice based on a diagnosis referred to in paragraph (i),


including prescribing treatment, drugs, medications or medical appliances; performing medical or physical treatment of animals; performing surgical procedures on animals; administering an anaesthetic to any animal; conducting pregnancy testing of any animal; carrying out, by manual operation or use of instrumental appliances, any procedure on an animal for artificial breeding purposes; orbut does not include any prescribed services

25 Exempt Procedures: For the purposes of the definition of veterinary services in section 3(1) of the Act, the following are prescribed services: non-invasive massage; collection of faecal samples; collection of milk samples; collection of blood samples at the direction of a registered veterinary surgeon;administration of veterinary medicines, in accordance with the label approved under the Agvet Code of Tasmania in relation to that medicine, by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection, oral administration (except oesophageal intubation) or application to any external body surface;anaesthetising and sedating offish of the class Osteichthyes; or sharks, rays, lampreys or other cartilaginous fish of the classes Chondrichthyes and Agnatha;ear tagging, ear marking or ear tattooing of any species; examination for pregnancy by the external application of ultrasound scanning in any

species;artificial insemination, provided that the semen is introduced via the vagina and cervical canal.

26 Examples of Procedures requiring competency assessment -

where possible, please use this precise wording in your application

Anaesthesia Euthanasia Isoflurane Anaesthesia lsoflurane Induction Magnesium chloride bath Methoxyflurane Induction Pentobarbitone Anaesthesia - Terminal Sedation - Medetornidine (Domitor) Xylazine/Ketamine Anaesthesia ZolazeparniTiletamine + Medetornidine Anaesthesia ZolazeparniTiletamine Anaesthesia Blood Collection Arterial cannulation Brachial vein blood collection Cardiac Bleed Cephalic Blood Collection Jugular Blood Collection Maxillary Sinus Blood Collection Peripheral ear vein blood collection Saphenous Blood Collection Submandibular Blood Collection Tail Tip Bleed Ventral Caudal Tail Vein Blood Collection

Carbon dioxide Asphyiation Cervical Dislocation Decapitation - after terminal pentobarbitone injection Decapitation of Neonates Euthanasia - Blunt Force Trauma to Head Euthanasia - Cervical Dislocation Euthanasia via surgical dis sec tion of the brain Euthanasia via transec tion of the spine Guillotine Decapitation Pentobarbitone Euthanasia - Intraperitoneal Injection Pentobarbitone Euthanasia - Intravenous Injection Xylazine/Ketamine overdose (intraperitoneal)


Reproduction Surgical Procedures Confirmation of Pregnancy - Abdominal Palpation Biopsy from Ear Re-derivation (processing and implantation of embryos Biopsy Punch into recipient) Cardiac Perfusion (salinelPF A) Semen collection and freezing into straws Cortical Injury via Needle Stick Injury through burr hole

Craniotomy and Fluid Percussion Injury Craniotomy and Window Placement

TagginglMarking Embryo Transfer Dart/T -bar Tagging Endotracheal Tube Placement via Tracheotomy Ear Clip Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) External tagging with dissolved oxygen acoustic telemetry Insertion of Gastrocnemius Osmotic Pump tags Insertion of Spinal Osmotic Pump Implantation of internal activity tag (accelerometer tag) Mini-pump implantation (subcutaneously) Implantation of PIT tag Oviduct Removal Microchip Placement (subcutaneous) Spey PSATTag Surgical Cannulation ofVeiniartery VI Alpha Tag Surgical placement of DO device under dorsal fin Visual Implant Elastomer Suture Incision

Tail clipping Thinned Skull and Needle Placement into Cranium Toe clipping Tracheotomy Tumour Biopsy Vasectomy

Imaging Injections Live Imaging Intramuscular Injection Ultrasound imaging of ovarian follicles and egg capsules Intraocular Injection

lntraosseous Injection Intraperitoneal Injection Intravenous Injection Subcutaneous Injection Subcutaneous Injection- into footpad Miscellaneous Procedures Artificial Ventilation during Anaesthesia Endotracheal Intubation Glucose Testing from Blood Oral Gavage Rumen Sample Collection

27 Government departments (re approval of joint projects): In the case that DPIWE or PWS has daily care of the animals, the signature of the person who will look after the animals must be obtained before this application is submitted. (See Section H: Declarations).

Animal Ethics committee Initial Application Form March 2016 Page 25 of25

Supplementary Form A - Whales and Dolphins · Supplementary Form A - Whales and Dolphins...

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