Abstract: The identification of cephalopods using their beaks is still a difficult technique. To increase our knowledge of this technique and stimulate a new generation of beak experts, the III International beak workshop and training course was organized in Faial, Azores Islands in 2007. We briefly review the activities of the workshop, including the identification procedure of lower beaks of cephalopods from predators with emphasis on cetaceans, seals, fish and seabirds; provision of basic knowledge to young researchers interested in the study area; identification of recent developments in beak research; and discussion of the main problematic issues. The families that need particular attention are Brachioteuthidae, Chiroteuthidae, Cranchiidae, Cycloteuthidae, Mastigoteuthidae, Octopoteuthidae, Promachoteuthidae, Onychoteuthidae (particularly the genus Walvisteuthis), Mastigoteuthidae and Cirroteuthidae. The stable isotopic signature of beaks is capable of revealing new trophic relationships and migrations. Future work should focus on: a) obtaining more cephalopod material from research cruises; b) promoting a close and continuous collaboration between beak experts and cephalopod taxonomists and; c) developing new, and updated, beak guides.

Abstract: The Southern Ocean is experiencing relentless change. The Antarctic and Southern Ocean community, represented by 75 scientists and policy-makers from 22 countries, recently met to formulate a collective vision on the priorities for Antarctic research for the next two decades and beyond. Here, we assess high-interest research areas related specifically to Southern Ocean life and ecology that, although not all retained as the 80 top priorities among the addressed scientific domains, are of considerable relevance to the biology and ecology of the Southern Ocean. As certain regions of the Southern Ocean ecosystems have witnessed abiotic and biotic changes in the last decades (e.g., warming, climate variability, changes in sea ice, and abundance of marine organisms), such an exercise was urgently needed. We concluded that basic biological information on the taxonomy of numerous organisms is still lacking in areas, such as the deep-ocean floor or the under-ice environments. Furthermore, there is a need for knowledge about the response and resilience of Antarctic marine ecosystems to change. The continuation of a long-term commitment and the development and use of innovative technology to adequately monitor the Southern Ocean ecosystems is required. Highlighting the most important Southern Ocean research topics allow the identification of the challenges and future requirements in technological development, and both research and funding strategies for the various stakeholders.

Abstract: In 2013 a record spring passage of Long-tailed Skuas Stercorarius
longicaudus was observed in Scotland, including an unprecedented overland
movement. Tracking data for the species has also hinted at overland migration in
Scotland. Here, the tracking data are reviewed and the spring passage status of
Long-tailed Skuas in the UK assessed, with a particular focus on observed overland
movements, and first-hand accounts of major movements in spring 2013

Abstract: We compare a global compilation of shear-wave splitting measurements with azimuthal seismic anisotropy parameters inferred from surface-wave tomography. The currently available splitting dataset is taken from a novel comprehensive collection of available publications that is updated interactively online. The comparison between the two types of data is made by calculating predicted splitting parameters from the anisotropic tomography model. Comparing these predicted splitting parameters with the observed ones, we find a considerable correlation between the two datasets at global scale. This result is noteworthy, since such correlation did not seem to exist in previous studies. The spatial resolution associated with the two types of methods is rather different. While surface waves have good vertical resolution and poor lateral resolution of several hundreds of kilometers, SKS splitting measurements have good lateral, but poor vertical resolution. The correlation can be understood in light of recent propositions that anisotropy seen by SKS splitting constrains mostly the upper mantle, and therefore a similar depth region as surface waves. The correlation also confirms the generally good quality of the shear-wave measurements, as well as that of the anisotropic tomography model.