From rachel.davies at marine-life.org.uk Thu May 1 03:33:17 2014 From: rachel.davies at marine-life.org.uk (Rachel Davies) Date: Thu, 1 May 2014 11:33:17 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] Internship opportunities with MARINElife: Survey sightings and data processing volunteers Message-ID: We are pleased to announce two voluntary internship opportunities with MARINElife in Dorset, UK. MARINElife Survey Sightings Internship *Job Title:* Survey Sightings Intern *Location:* Home based - West Dorset, with some office hours (Bridport) *Duration:* 3-4 months *Weekly Hours:* Full time volunteer intern position, though part time applicants also considered. Please state which in your application. Flexible days - some weekends may be required. *Position commences:* Mid-late May MARINElife's core work since 1995 has been researching the distribution, abundance and population trends for whales, dolphins, seabirds and other marine wildlife from vessels of opportunity. MARINElife currently operate year-round surveys on a monthly basis, along 18 ferry routes across the English Channel, Bay of Biscay, North Sea and Atlantic Ocean. The data collected continues to be used to determine seasonal, annual and long-term population trends for individual species. This baseline data is necessary in order to be able to detect changes in species' numbers and to be used for cetacean conservation and marine biodiversity policy, designation and management. MARINElife is looking for an intern to provide assistance to the survey and data management team for a 3-4 month period, to undertake a variety of data entry, validation and research tasks. This temporary role focuses on the data collected by ML volunteers conducting monitoring surveys aboard vessels of opportunity around the coast of the UK. The post also offers the opportunity to take part in local small-boat surveys, both observational and acoustic. The role will also involve a public facing element, as part of an exciting new "Hub" development, in conjunction with other Dorset based organisations. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to further develop their research skills and gain invaluable experience, while contributing to an established cetacean and seabird monitoring programme. Our research has been published widely and is used as an evidence base by Government agencies, including Natural England, JNCC and Defra for marine spatial planning and site safeguarding. Tasks will include: - Assist with collation of survey data from 18 ferry routes - Data entry and first level error checking - Assist with local small vessel surveys - Update databases of recent cetacean and seabird sightings - Liaise with ML surveyors - Liaise with members of the public - Keep regular contact with the conservation science manager Candidate requirements: *Essential:* - IT skills (Office package) - Experience in data entry and processing (Excel) - Excellent communication skills - Enthusiastic, hard-working and self-motivated - A strong commitment to volunteer work *Desirable:* - An interest and knowledge of British cetaceans and seabirds - Experience interacting with the public. Volunteers will be given an introduction into the placement and training will be provided for all tasks that you will be expected to undertake. Please see the bottom of the page for details on how to apply. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARINElife/ECMC Data Processing Internship *Job Title:* Data processing assistant *Location:* Portsmouth *Duration:* 3-4 months *Weekly Hours:* Full time volunteer intern position, though part time applicants also considered. Please state which in your application. Flexible days - some weekends may be required. *Position commences:* Mid-late May MARINElife's core work since 1995 has been researching the distribution, abundance and population trends for whales, dolphins, seabirds and other marine wildlife from vessels of opportunity. MARINElife is a partner organisation in the European Cetacean Monitoring Coalition (ECMC), formerly the Atlantic Research Coalition (ARC). Established in 2001, ECMC was initiated in an effort to provide vital pan-European monitoring data on the distribution and abundance of whales and dolphins by bringing together marine conservation organisations operating in adjacent areas of ocean. ECMC is a growing partnership bringing together scientists from a number of conservation research groups operating from multiple European countries including England, Netherlands, Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Belgium. MARINElife is looking for an intern to provide assistance to the data management team for a 3-4 month period, to undertake a variety of data processing and validation tasks. The work will form part of an existing collaboration with other ECMC partners, and as such will be placed at the ORCA offices, Portsmouth, alongside a similar ORCA/ECMC role. This temporary role will contribute towards a body of work to develop functionality and infrastructure required to effectively manage our large dataset. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to further develop their research skills and gain invaluable experience, while contributing to an established cetacean and seabird monitoring programme. Our research has been published widely and is used as an evidence base by Government agencies, including Natural England, JNCC and Defra for marine spatial planning and site safeguarding. *Tasks will include:* - Assist with collation of survey data from 18 ferry routes - Update databases of recent cetacean and seabird sightings - Data formatting to comply with ECMC data dictionary and collation structure - Keep regular contact with the conservation science manager *Candidate requirements:* *Essential:* - IT skills (Office package) - Experience in data entry and processing (Excel) - Excellent communication skills - Enthusiastic, hard-working and self-motivated - A strong commitment to volunteer work *Desirable:* - An interest and knowledge of British cetaceans and seabirds Volunteers will be given an introduction into the placement and training will be provided for all tasks that you will be expected to undertake. How to Apply To apply for either post please send your C.V. and a covering letter detailing any relevant experience along with contact information of two referees by 16th May, to: Tricia Dendle, MARINElife 1 Higher Street, Bradpole, Bridport Dorset DT6 3JA E-mail: tricia.dendle at marine-life.org.uk http://www.marine-life.org.uk/marinelife-internships-(290414) -- Dr. Rachel Davies Conservation Science Manager [image: MARINElife logo] rachel.davies at marine-life.org.uk T. 01460419043 M. 07969804996 Send Sightings To: sightings at marine-life.org.uk Website: www.marine-life.org.uk Find us on Facebook and Twitter Registered Charity No. 1110884 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From marc.fern at gmail.com Thu May 1 07:30:31 2014 From: marc.fern at gmail.com (marc fernandez) Date: Thu, 1 May 2014 14:30:31 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication on calving areas and critical habitat for Risso's dolphins Message-ID: Dear MARMAM colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the following paper has been made available online: Hartman K, Fernandez M, Azevedo JN (2014) Spatial segregation of calving and nursing Risso?s dolphins (Grampus griseus) in the Azores, and its conservation implications. Marine Biology: 1-10 doi 10.1007/s00227-014-2430-x ABSTRACT Calving can be a critical period for cetaceans. Areas providing security for vulnerable calves, and high food availability for lactating females can be critical habitats requiring specific conservation measures. Here, we test the hypothesis that calving and nursing habitat could be defined for Risso?s dolphins (*Grampus griseus*). We investigated the spatial and temporal preferences of this species around Pico Island, Azores, using data gathered from land-based surveys and dedicated at-sea observations between 2004 and 2007. We divided observed pods into three groups: (1) those with newborn and young calves, (2) those with older calves or juveniles and (3) those consisting only of adults or sub-adults. We analysed eco-geographical variables and incorporated them into a presence-only spatial distribution model to evaluate differences in habitat suitability among the groups. We identified 694 pods of Risso?s dolphins overall. On the 267 pods observed in the first and second groups, 136 calves or juveniles were identified, of which 22 were newborns. The peak of the calving season was between June and August. The pods with newborn calves were larger and closer to shore, whereas the other groups were more widely dispersed offshore. Our results support the definition of critical habitat areas for this species, but we suggest widening the geographical coverage for better mapping around the island and throughout the archipelago generally. Conservation measures can, nevertheless, be implemented immediately, in order to reduce human impacts on a vulnerable component of the Risso?s dolphin population. The paper can be checked at: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00227-014-2430-x?no-access=true Please do not hesitate to contact us for any question regarding our work. All the best, Marc Fernandez -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From joel.t.bell at navy.mil Thu May 1 10:50:37 2014 From: joel.t.bell at navy.mil (Bell, Joel T CIV NAVFAC LANT, EV) Date: Thu, 1 May 2014 17:50:37 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Navy Living Marine Resource program BAA - call for pre-proposals Message-ID: <4BCBFF7AAAADBE4CAE2144429285955720BBED@NAEANRFKXM08V.nadsusea.nads.navy.mil> The Navy Living Marine Resources (LMR) applied research program is seeking pre-proposals in three topic areas related to underwater sound produced by human activities and its effect on marine life. Topics include hearing measurements in a broad range of marine mammal species, population density estimation from passive acoustic monitoring, and marine species monitoring data collection toolkit development. Potential applicants are encouraged to visit the LMR website, www.lmr.navy.mil, for more information about the LMR program and the solicitation. Federal government applicants are not eligible to submit proposals under the BAA, but will be able to submit proposal statements directly to the relevant Navy Statement of Need. Academic, non-federal government, nonprofit, and private sector submitters should select the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), Solicitation Number N39430-14-R-1464, when submitting their proposal. The BAA can be viewed at www.neco.navy.mil or www.fbo.gov, or at the LMR website, www.lmr.navy.mil. All submissions must be made via the LMR website. The solicitation period will close on 16 June 2014 (see website or BAA for official dates and other guidance). <'//>< ? Joel T. Bell Senior Protected Marine Species Biologist Marine Species Monitoring Program Manager Marine Resources Section (EV53) Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic www.navymarinespeciesmonitoring.us ? Phone:? (757) 322-4854 Fax?????? (757) 322-4894 NIPR: joel.t.bell at navy.mil SIPR: joel.bell at navy.smil.mil ? <'//>< ? "The improver of natural knowledge absolutely refuses to acknowledge authority, as such.? For him, skepticism is the highest of duties; blind faith the one unpardonable sin." ~Thomas H. Huxley -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: smime.p7s Type: application/pkcs7-signature Size: 5603 bytes Desc: not available URL: From jvanderhoop at whoi.edu Thu May 1 15:17:01 2014 From: jvanderhoop at whoi.edu (Julie van der Hoop) Date: Thu, 1 May 2014 18:17:01 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] New Publication: Large whale vessel strikes Message-ID: MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper in Conservation Letters: van der Hoop, J. M., Vanderlaan, A. S. M., Cole, T. V. N., Henry, A. G., Hall, L., Mase-Guthrie, B., Wimmer, T. and Moore, M. J. (2014), Vessel strikes to large whales before and after the 2008 Ship Strike Rule. Conservation Letters. doi: 10.1111/conl.12105 The paper is available in early view online: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/conl.12105/abstract Please contact me if you do not have access to the .pdf online: jvanderhoop at whoi.edu Abstract:? To determine effectiveness of Seasonal Management Areas (SMAs), introduced in 2008 on the U.S. East Coast to reduce lethal vessel strikes to North Atlantic right whales, we analyzed observed large whale mortality events from 1990?2012 in the geographic region of the ?Ship Strike Rule? to identify changes in frequency, spatial distribution, and spatiotemporal interaction since implementation. Though not directly coincident with SMA implementation, right whale vessel-strike mortalities significantly declined from 2.0 (2000?2006) to 0.33 per year (2007?2012). Large whale vessel-strike mortalities have decreased inside active SMAs, and increased outside inactive SMAs. We detected no significant spatiotemporal interaction in the 4-year pre- or post-Rule periods, although a longer time series is needed to detect these changes. As designed, SMAs encompass only 36% of historical right whale vessel-strike mortalities, and 32% are outside managed space but within managed timeframes. We suggest increasing spatial coverage to improve the Rule's effectiveness. ---------------------------------------------------------- Julie van der Hoop PhD Candidate MIT-WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography Woods Hole MA 02543 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From author at anneriksson.ca Fri May 2 08:44:45 2014 From: author at anneriksson.ca (Ann Eriksson) Date: Fri, 2 May 2014 08:44:45 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] Announcing Canadian Publication of Novel about Killer Whales and Marine Contaminants Message-ID: Hello all: I am pleased to announce the Canadian publication of my novel, *High Clear Bell of Morning*, which highlights threats to the southern resident killer whales in the Salish Sea, with a particular focus on toxic marine contaminants. I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the members of this list who assisted me during the research phase. The novel is available in Canada in trade paperback and ebook wherever books are sold. It should be available in the US in the near future. You can find more information about the novel and my upcoming Canadian reading tour on my website www.anneriksson.ca or through my publisher www.douglas-mcintyre.com. Thanks very much. Ann -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ctaylor at sea2shore.org Fri May 2 03:57:43 2014 From: ctaylor at sea2shore.org (Cynthia Taylor) Date: Fri, 2 May 2014 06:57:43 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Sirenews 61 Message-ID: <010001cf65f5$59fe61b0$0dfb2510$@org> Sirenews 61, April 2014, is now available online at http://sea2shore.org/publications/sirenews/ Sirenews is the newsletter of the IUCN/SSC Sirenia Specialist Group. The IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) is a science-based network of volunteer experts working together towards achieving the vision of "A world that values and conserves present levels of biodiversity." The Sirenia Specialist Group is focused on the conservation of manatee and dugong populations around the world. Cynthia Taylor and James Powell, co-editors Sea to Shore Alliance www.sea2shore.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From filalves at rocketmail.com Fri May 2 02:19:56 2014 From: filalves at rocketmail.com (Filipe Alves) Date: Fri, 2 May 2014 02:19:56 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [MARMAM] New Paper: Survival and abundance of short-finned pilot whales Message-ID: <1399022396.94724.YahooMailNeo@web122406.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper about the population parameters of short-finned pilot whales: Alves, F., Dinis, A., Nicolau, C., Ribeiro, C., Kaufmann, M., Fortuna, C. and Freitas, L. (2014), Survival and abundance of short-finned pilot whales in the archipelago of Madeira, NE Atlantic. Marine Mammal Science. doi:?10.1111/mms.12137 Abstract Estimates of population parameters for the short-finned pilot whale, Globicephala macrorhynchus, are scarce in literature, contributing to an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) status of Data Deficient. In this study, photo-identification data collected over 7 yr from Madeira were used to estimate for the first time survivorship, capture probability, and abundance in this species using mark-recapture methodology. The Cormack-Jolly-Seber model estimated that the adult island-associated (i.e., resident and regular visitor) whales had a constant survival rate of 0.960 (95% CI: 0.853?0.990) and an annual capture probability varying between 0.372 (CI: 0.178?0.619) and 0.843 (CI: 0.619?0.947). A parameterization of the Jolly-Seber model estimated that 140 island-associated whales (CI: 131?151) used the area throughout the course of the study. Based on a closed population model, the most precise (lower CV) annual estimate of the total number of pilot whales using the southern and eastern waters of Madeira (~900 km2) in a 3 mo period covering summer/autumn was 334 animals (CI: 260?437). No trend was observed. Despite including biases, the approach used in this study provided plausible estimates of population parameters, which can contribute to the regional conservation strategies. a PDF can be downloaded at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12137/pdf or request it by email: filalves at rocketmail.com Regards, Filipe Alves -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From sclymene at aol.com Thu May 1 12:29:06 2014 From: sclymene at aol.com (Thomas Jefferson) Date: Thu, 1 May 2014 15:29:06 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [MARMAM] MARINE MAMMAL BOOKS AND JOURNALS AVAILABLE from VIVA Vaquita Message-ID: <8D1338AC087705E-C2C-A2AA@webmail-m231.sysops.aol.com> MARINE MAMMAL BOOKS AND JOURNALS AVAILABLE The following is a partial list of items available ? contactTom Jefferson for a complete list. All funds go to ?VIVA Vaquita! (a collaboration of five 501(3)c non-profits), forresearch and conservation of the World?s most endangered marine mammal species,the vaquita (Phocoena sinus). Go to www.vivavaquita.orgfor more details. Prices listed aresuggested minimum donations. All itemsare in good-excellent condition, unless otherwise stated; HC=hardcover,PB=paperback. Preference will be givento domestic USA orders. Donations can bemade in cash or with checks in US dollars made payable to ?Thomas Jefferson?. Email Tom Jefferson thelist of items you want and your postal address for the items to be sent to(please type your name and address exactly as they would appear on a mailinglabel). Shipping is included. Orders will be sent out only after paymentand ?mailing label? are received. Berta, A., and J. L. Sumich. 1999. Marine Mammals:Evolutionary Biology. First Edition ed. Academic Press. HC. $30. Best, P. B., J. L. Bannister, R. L. Brownell, and G. P.Donovan (Editors). 2001. Right Whales: Worldwide Status. Journal of CetaceanResearch and Management Special Issue 2. HC. $40. Brown, S. G. et al. 1974. Antarctic Mammals. Antarctic MapFolio Series 18: 1-19 + plates. (unbound,but in original card folder; some browning and water stains). $18. Dizon, A. E., S. J. Chivers, and W. F. Perrin (Editors).1997. Molecular genetics of marine mammals No. Special Publication No. 3. TheSociety of Marine Mammalogy. PB. $9. Domning, D. P. 1996. Bibliography and index of the Sireniaand Desmostylia. Smithsonian Contributions to Paleobiology 80: 611 pp. PB. $12. Donovan, G. P. (Editor), 1986. Behaviour of Whales inRelation to Management, Special Issue 8. Reports of the International WhalingCommission, 282 pp. HC. $12. Dudzinksi, K. M., and T. Frohoff. 2008. Dolphin Mysteries:Unlocking the Secrets of Communication. Yale University Press. HC. $7. Evans, P. G. H., and J. A. Raga (Editors). 2001. MarineMammals: Biology and Conservation. Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, 630 pp. PB. $14. FAO. 1982. Mammals in the seas: Volume IV. Small cetaceans,seals, sirenians and otters. FAO of theUN. HC. $22. Garner, G. W. et al. (Editors). 1999. Marine Mammal Surveyand Assessment Methods. A. A. Balkema, 287 pp. HC. $38. Gaskin, D. E. 1982. The Ecology of Whales and Dolphins.Heinemann, London. PB. $12. Gentry, R. L., and G. C. Kooyman (Editors). 1986. Fur Seals:Maternal Strategies on Land and at Sea. Princeton University Press, 291 pp. HC. $16. Jefferson, T. A., S. Leatherwood, and M. A. Webber. 1993.Marine Mammals of the World: FAO Species Identification Guide. United NationEnvironment Programme and Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN. PB. $48. Jordan, D. S. and others. 1898. Seal and Salmon Fisheriesand General Resources of Alaska, Volume I. Government Printing Office. HC (spine damaged). $48. Klinowska, M. 1991. Dolphins, Porpoises, and Whales of theWorld: The IUCN Red Data Book. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland. HC. $18. Leatherwood, S., and R. R. Reeves. 1983. The Sierra ClubHandbook of Whales and Dolphins. Sierra Club Books, San Francisco. PB. $8. Leatherwood, S., and R. R. Reeves (Editors). 1990. TheBottlenose Dolphin. Academic Press, 653 pp. HC. $42. Leatherwood, S., R. R. Reeves, W. F. Perrin, and W. E.Evans. 1982. Whales, dolphins, and porpoises of the eastern North Pacific andadjacent Arctic waters: A guide to their identification. NOAA Technical ReportNMFS Circular 444: 245 pp. PB. $10. Lilly, J. C. 1978. Communication Between Man and Dolphin.Crown Publishers, Inc. HC. $9. Mead, J. G., and J. P. Gold. 2002. Whales and Dolphins inQuestion. Smithsonian Institution Press (hardcover). HC (new). $5. Miller, G. S., and R. Kellogg. 1955. List of North Americanrecent mammals. Bulletin of the United States National Museum 205: 954 pp. PB. $12. Mitchell, E. (Editor), 1975. Review of biology and fisheriesfor smaller cetaceans. Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada, 32. PB. $16. National Research Council. 1994. Low-Frequency Sound andMarine Mammals: Current Knowledge and Research Needs. National Academy Press. PB. $12. Norris, K. S. (Editor), 1966. Whales, Dolphins, andPorpoises. (First Edition). Universityof California Press, Berkeley, 789 pp. HC. $45. Norris, K. S. 1991. Dolphin Days: The Life and Times of theSpinner Dolphin. Norton. HC. $9. Norris, K. S., B. Wursig, R. S. Wells, and M. Wursig. 1994.The Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin. University of California Press. HC. $28. Packard, E. L., and R. Kellogg. 1934. A new cetothere fromthe Miocene Astoria Formation of Newport, Oregon. In: E. L. Packard, R. Kelloggand E. Huber (eds.) Contributions to Paleontology: Marine Mammals. p pp. 1-62.Carnegie Institution of Washington. PB. $14. Perrin, W. F. 1975. Variation and taxonomy of spotted andspinner porpoise (genus Stenella) in the eastern tropical Pacific and Hawaii.Bulletin of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography 21: 206 pp. PB. $12. Pfeiffer, C. J. (Editor), 2002. Molecular and Cell Biologyof Marine Mammals. Krieger Publishing Company. $40, 427 pp. HC. $37. Pryor, K., and K. S. Norris (Editors). 1991. DolphinSocieties: Discoveries and Puzzles. University of California Press, 397 pp. HC. $23. Read, A. J., P. R. Wiepkema, and P. E. Nachtigall (Editors).1997. The Biology of the Harbour Porpoise. De Spil Publishers, 409 pp. HC. $32. Ruud, J. T. 1965. Essays in Marine Physiology (in Honor ofP. F. Scholander). Hvalradets Skrifter 48: 237 pp. PB. $21. Scheffer, V. B., and J. W. Slipp. 1948. The whales anddolphins of Washington State, with a key to the cetaceans of the west coast ofNorth America. American Midland Naturalist 39: 257-337. PB. $14. Twiss, J. R., and R. R. Reeves (Editors). 1999. Conservationand Management of Marine Mammals. Smithsonian Institution Press, 471 pp. HC. $28. Whales Research Institute. 1948-1984. 37-year run (nearlycomplete). Scientific Reports of the Whales Research Institute, 1-37 (complete,except missing volumes 13, 38, and 39). HC(most issues bound in blue buckram, with label on spine). $450. Wheeler, J. F. G. 1930. The age of fin whales at physicalmaturity with a note on multiple ovulations. Discovery Reports 2: 403-434. PB. $18. W?rsig, B., T. A. Jefferson, and D. J. Schmidly. 2000. TheMarine Mammals of the Gulf of Mexico. Texas A&M University Press. HC (new). $12. Tom Jefferson VIVA Vaquita sclymene at aol.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From sgolaski at coa.edu Fri May 2 08:26:52 2014 From: sgolaski at coa.edu (Sara Golaski) Date: Fri, 2 May 2014 16:26:52 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] =?utf-8?q?Volunteer_field_assistant_opportunity_-_Heavis?= =?utf-8?q?ide=E2=80=99s_dolphins_research_in_Namibia?= Message-ID: *Volunteer field assistant opportunity - Heaviside?s dolphins research in Namibia* *BACKROUND:* This volunteer position is to assist University of Pretoria MSc student Sara Golaski. The project aims to obtain baseline information on abundance and habitat use of Heaviside?s dolphins in Namibia using primarily photographic identification (photo-ID). *WHERE:* Walvis Bay, Namibia *WHEN:* June 1 until mid-July. *DATA ANALYSIS & FIELDWORK:* The volunteer position is primarily office based processing photo-ID images, but you will be aiding the Namibian Dolphin Project in all project activities including some fieldwork, community outreach and attending cetacean strandings should they occur. *EXPECTATIONS*, volunteers are expected to: - Be experienced with photo-ID work - Have good attention to detail - Be reliable, adaptable and hard-working - Be prepared to work long days - Be sociable, enthusiastic and have a positive attitude. - Participate for a minimum of 1 month, 6 weeks preferred Post would suit upper level undergrads and graduate students who have interest and background in Biology, Marine Biology and an interest in pursuing further study. Due to the training required, applicants should be available for a *minimum of 1 month.* *LIVING & COSTS:* Volunteers are expected to cover their own living expenses, including flight costs. We can assist in finding accommodation which can be around ZAR 3000 ($300 USD) per month. Food and other personal expenses can be kept between ZAR 2000-3000 a month. *DEADLINE AND APPLICATIONS:* Interested volunteers should email Sara Golaski as soon as possible with a: *1 - LETTER of interest outlining relevant experience and motivation for participation* *2 ? CV* *3 - Duration of stay (expected start and end date)* *to Sara Golaski **sgolaski at coa.edu* *FOR MORE INFORMATION:* Namibian Dolphin Project website: http://www.namibiandolphinproject.com/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Aurelie.CELERIER at cefe.cnrs.fr Fri May 2 09:33:46 2014 From: Aurelie.CELERIER at cefe.cnrs.fr (Aurelie CELERIER) Date: Fri, 2 May 2014 18:33:46 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] phD proposal on chemical communication in aquatic mammals Message-ID: <2537D97E5DF10A4FBCF5FDF875BD1C580216D25EBA3C@ZZMAIL.newcefe.newage.fr> PhD proposal Title: Aquatic scents: Chemical communication in aquatic mammals, How and why? Dead line for application: May 23th 2014 Location : CEFE/CNRS Montpellier Contact : Aurelie C?l?rier : aurelie.celerier at cefe.cnrs.fr : 0033 4 67 61 33 17 Duration: from October 2014- to October 2017 Abstract : Although chemical signals are central for a diversity of biological functions and have been extensively studied in terrestrial mammals, olfactory and gustatory abilities have been poorly investigated in marine mammals. Our project aims to give an exhaustive insight into the chemical communication in different groups of aquatic mammals (Sirenians, Pinnipeds, Cetaceans and Otter) and compare the evolutionary adaptations of chemical sensory systems in organisms ranging from semi to fully aquatic. Our approach is both original and multidisciplinary and aim to integrate 3 levels of exploration: 1) a Chemical level to identify the molecules emitted by individuals; 2) a Neuro-anatomical level to explore the nervous structures involved in the perception and processing of chemical cues and 3) a Behavioral level to investigate the involvement and adaptive function of chemical communication in the feeding behavior and social life of these species. The PhD student will be specifically involved in point 2 and 3 of the general project. Skills : Behavioural Ecology, Statistics, preference will be given to applicant with previous experience in Neurosciences and/or Chemical Analysis. Autonomy, flexible, excellent organizational and communication skills, hard working, field work and laboratory work ***************************************************************** [cid:image001.png at 01CF6635.0DE9A6F0]Aur?lie C?l?rier Ma?tre de Conf?rence ?quipe ?cologie Comportementale CEFE - UMR 5175 F-34293 Montpellier cedex 5 T?l : +33(0) 4 67 61 33 17 email : aurelie.celerier at cefe.cnrs.fr http://www.cefe.cnrs.fr/ecomp/default.htm ***************************************************************** -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 662 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From Georgeta.Suta at stantec.com Tue May 6 10:42:16 2014 From: Georgeta.Suta at stantec.com (Suta, Georgeta) Date: Tue, 6 May 2014 11:42:16 -0600 Subject: [MARMAM] Stantec is hiring: Intermediate/Senior Marine Mammal Biologist Message-ID: <4FBC089442828A4EAE9C91FEE39E1F2C015DCA21F5@CD1001-M380.corp.ads> Stantec is hiring an Intermediate/Senior Marine Mammal Biologist Your Opportunity: Stantec has 3,000 Environmental Services staff. 20 technical specialties. 900 professional associations. An international team with local expertise. Grounded by safety, quality, and ethics, we come up with scientific solutions that perfectly fit the job. We know what it takes to balance competing project interests with creativity and efficiency, and show dedication and passion for our job. We are currently looking for an Intermediate/Senior Marine Mammal Biologist to work as part of a team of biologists in our St. John's, NL or Dartmouth, NS office. The successful candidate will be a proven team player, self-motivated, good at multitasking and able to think creatively and broadly across many disciplines within the marine sciences. He/she will be also be a clear effective communicator, a good technical writer, and have experience designing and implementing field programs. This position will work closely with the Regional and National Technical Marine Science Leads and be responsible for contributing to environmental impact assessments, environmental effects monitoring programs, research projects, liaise with clients, scientists and engineering specialists to provide mitigation, monitoring and surveying advice, and support the regional and national marine service area in a variety of capacities. Tasks will further include report and proposal writing, preparing presentations and occasional field work. Some travel will be required. Your Capabilities and Credentials: Required The successful candidate will have: * At least a M.Sc in marine mammal science * A minimum of 5 years' post graduate degree hands-on experience in a related position * Strong data analysis and interpretation capabilities with good statistical knowledge * Program management skills * Experience working with federal, provincial and municipal regulatory agencies * Experience with marine mammal observations (e.g., vessel-based, shore-based or aerial surveys, whale watching/naturalist work). * An understanding of environmental law, EIAs and relevant marine mammal policy is desirable * Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing to team members and clients is essential. Preferred * Working knowledge of Distance Sampling and Analysis * Working knowledge of acoustic modeling * Multi-disciplinary interests and experience * Consulting experience * Experience working as an MMO * Experience living at sea for extended periods of time. Interested candidates are invited to apply online or via email: Georgeta.Suta at stantec.com. Best regards, Georgeta Suta, CHRP, RPR Recruitment Specialist Stantec 300 - 675 Cochrane Drive West Tower Markham ON L3R 0B8 Phone: 905-944-6189 georgeta.suta at stantec.com [http://www.stantec.com/content/dam/stantec/images/esignature/stantec.png] The content of this email is the confidential property of Stantec and should not be copied, modified, retransmitted, or used for any purpose except with Stantec's written authorization. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete all copies and notify us immediately. ? Please consider the environment before printing this email. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From janiger at cox.net Tue May 6 00:41:10 2014 From: janiger at cox.net (David S. Janiger) Date: Tue, 06 May 2014 00:41:10 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] 2014 Call for Abstracts: Poster Session and Student Research Presentation Session Message-ID: <3.0.1.32.20140506004110.015e6008@pop.west.cox.net> Dear MARMAM subscribers, 14th International Conference of the American Cetacean Society (ACS) Tuned in to Whales: Conservation, Research & Education. Friday, November 7th through Sunday, November 9th, 2014 Hyatt Regency, Newport Beach, California 2014 Call for Abstracts: Poster Session and Student Research Presentation Session The Student Research Presentation Session is devoted exclusively to research presented by undergraduate and/or graduate students, and is intended to encourage discussion and facilitate the exchange of current information pertaining to cetacean research, conservation, policy and education. It also provides an opportunity for students at universities and institutions to gain presentation experience in a professional environment, and presents a forum in which existing professionals may meet their rising peers. Abstract submissions will be accepted from current undergraduate or graduate students, student interns, and recently graduated students (within the past year) who conducted their work prior to graduation. Student authors must be from accredited institutions of higher education. The Poster Presentation Session will showcase a variety of programs and projects based at education institutions, agencies, and non-profit organizations. All are invited to submit abstracts for review. Posters addressing diverse topics within the fields of cetacean research, conservation, policy, and education, are welcome. Abstracts for both the Poster Presentation Session and the Student Research Presentation Session will be accepted through Saturday, July 31, 2014. To obtain submission guidelines and forms for either session please contact the ACS office at: acsoffice at acsonline.org. AMERICAN CETACEAN SOCIETY P.O. Box 1391 San Pedro, CA 90733-1391 www.acsonline.org Richard Ternullo - rternullo at aol.com From lee27 at cornell.edu Mon May 5 07:18:49 2014 From: lee27 at cornell.edu (Laura Eierman) Date: Mon, 5 May 2014 10:18:49 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] New Publication on foraging ecology of bottlenose dolphins Message-ID: Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper about the foraging ecology of bottlenose dolphins: Eierman, L.E. and Connor, R.C. (2014), Foraging behavior, prey distribution, and microhabitat use by bottlenose dolphins *Tursiops truncatus* in a tropical atoll. Marine Ecology Progress Series 503:279-288. doi: 10.3354/meps10721 Abstract The study of habitat use by top predators is important for understanding community interactions and is necessary for sound ecosystem management. In marine systems, top predators such as sharks and cetaceans have a strong impact on the structure and function of communities. While the observation of habitat use and foraging behavior of most marine predators is logistically difficult, bottlenose dolphins *Tursiops truncatus* offer less of a challenge due to visible surface behavior and well-documented populations. We examined bottlenose dolphin behavior in relation to microhabitat classes at Turneffe Atoll, Belize. The dolphins were found to feed proportionally more in boundary microhabitats, areas where dense seagrass beds adjoined open sand flats, than in other microhabitats. Fish density, particularly schools of grunts (family Haemulidae), were higher in the boundary microhabitat than in seagrass or sand microhabitats. Extensive acoustic recordings yielded few fish calls, suggesting that passive listening for soniferous fish was not the dominant means of diurnal prey detection. The dolphins? disproportionate use of boundary microhabitats for feeding was likely due to the abundance and accessibility of prey. a PDF can be downloaded at: http://www.int-res.com/articles/meps2014/503/m503p279.pdf or requested by email: l ee27 at cornell.edu Regards, Laura Eierman -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mjasny at nrdc.org Tue May 6 14:03:33 2014 From: mjasny at nrdc.org (Jasny, Michael) Date: Tue, 6 May 2014 21:03:33 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] shipping noise guidelines adopted by IMO In-Reply-To: <38974EE26996FC418D7995963A5DBD82B055EE43@SFMAIL5A.nrdc.org> References: <38974EE26996FC418D7995963A5DBD82B055EE43@SFMAIL5A.nrdc.org> Message-ID: <38974EE26996FC418D7995963A5DBD82B0581BD5@SFMAIL5A.nrdc.org> Hi All - A few weeks ago, I posted news of the IMO's adoption of guidelines to reduce underwater noise from commercial ships, and offered an unofficial version. There was a great deal of interest - and thanks to everyone for their messages. Please know that the official version of the guidelines has now been released, though it's immured within the IMO's document library. You can download it directly from the following URL: http://docs.nrdc.org/water/files/wat_14050501a.pdf. Cheers, Michael From: Jasny, Michael Sent: Monday, April 07, 2014 8:37 AM To: 'MARMAM at lists.uvic.ca' Subject: shipping noise guidelines adopted by IMO Some good news from London. On Thursday, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted guidelines to reduce underwater noise from commercial ships. The new guidelines: - recognize that shipping noise can have short-term and long-term impacts on marine life; - call for measurement of shipping noise according to objective ISO standards, which are themselves on the verge of adoption; - identify computational models for determining effective quieting measures; - provide guidance for designing quieter ships and for reducing noise from existing ships, especially from propeller cavitation; and - advise owners and operators on how to minimize noise through ship operations and maintenance, such as by polishing ship propellers to remove fouling and surface roughness. While these (as yet) are voluntary guidelines, not mandatory code, they put the IMO's imprimatur on noise reduction. Thanks go to the U.S. government, which put the issue on IMO's agenda and shepherded it through the IMO's byzantine processes, and to Germany, Australia, Spain, the UK, and other governments that supported and helped develop the guidelines. Thanks also to the coalition of progressive trade groups, research and academic scientists, and NGOs who partnered with member states to get this done. The more difficult work - implementation - lies ahead, but the guidelines are a milestone in the advancement of this issue. Please contact me if you'd like an unofficial copy of the guidelines, or if you have questions or suggestions for the next phase of work. Cheers, Michael Michael Jasny | Director, Marine Mammal Protection Natural Resources Defense Council| www.NRDC.org 4479 W. 5th Avenue | Vancouver, BC V6R1S4 o: 604.736.9386 | c: 310.560.5536 | e: mjasny at nrdc.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From rternullo at aol.com Mon May 5 20:29:22 2014 From: rternullo at aol.com (Richard Ternullo) Date: Mon, 5 May 2014 20:29:22 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] Posters Message-ID: <671354DB-4326-44FC-B38D-BD7FEF5B98B7@aol.com> Dear MARMAM subscribers, 14th International Conference of the American Cetacean Society (ACS) Tuned in to Whales: Conservation, Research & Education. Friday, November 7th through Sunday, November 9th, 2014 Hyatt Regency, Newport Beach, California 2014 Call for Abstracts: Poster Session and Student Research Presentation Session The Student Research Presentation Session is devoted exclusively to research presented by undergraduate and/or graduate students, and is intended to encourage discussion and facilitate the exchange of current information pertaining to cetacean research, conservation, policy and education. It also provides an opportunity for students at universities and institutions to gain presentation experience in a professional environment, and presents a forum in which existing professionals may meet their rising peers. Abstract submissions will be accepted from current undergraduate or graduate students, student interns, and recently graduated students (within the past year) who conducted their work prior to graduation. Student authors must be from accredited institutions of higher education. The Poster Presentation Session will showcase a variety of programs and projects based at education institutions, agencies, and non-profit organizations. All are invited to submit abstracts for review. Posters addressing diverse topics within the fields of cetacean research, conservation, policy, and education, are welcome. Abstracts for both the Poster Presentation Session and the Student Research Presentation Session will be accepted through Saturday, July 31, 2014. To obtain submission guidelines and forms for either session please contact the ACS office at acsoffice at acsonline.org. AMERICAN CETACEAN SOCIETY P.O. Box 1391 San Pedro, CA 90733-1391 www.acsonline.org Richard Ternullo rternullo at aol.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From giancarlo.lauriano at isprambiente.it Thu May 8 02:01:04 2014 From: giancarlo.lauriano at isprambiente.it (Giancarlo Lauriano) Date: Thu, 08 May 2014 11:01:04 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication on common bottlenose dolphin abundance Message-ID: <536B47D0.4030305@isprambiente.it> Dear Marmam members, we are pleased to draw your attention to a paper that just come out in Marine Environment Research about abundance of common bottlenose dolphin (/Tursiops truncatus/) Lauriano, G., Pierantonio, N., Donovan, G., Panigada, S., Abundance and distribution of Tursiops truncatus in the Western Mediterranean Sea: an assessment towards the Marine Strategy Framework Directive requirements, Marine Environmental Research (2014), doi: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2014.04.0 Abstract The Mediterranean Sea common bottlenose dolphin population has been assessed as /Vulnerable/ according to the IUCN Red List Criteria. The species is also included in several International Agreements, European Union Regulations and Directives. Amongst them, a strict protection and identification of special conservation areas are requested by the EU Habitats Directive. Despite direct takes, by-catch, chemical and acoustic pollution, and prey depletion, general habitat degradation and fragmentation have been indicated as detrimental for the species, the degree to which these threats pose population risk is still largely unknown. At present it is thus not possible to depict the actual status of the population and to assess prospective trends. To address this gap in the current knowledge, line transect distance sampling aerial surveys were conducted in a wide portion of the Western Mediterranean Sea between the summer of 2010 and winter 2011. A total of 165 parallel transects equally spaced at 15 km were designed providing homogeneous coverage probability. Overall, 21,090 km were flown on effort and 16 bottlenose dolphin sightings were recorded and used for the analysis. The surface abundance and density estimates resulted in 1676 animals (CV = 38.25; 95% CI = 804--3492) with a density of 0.005 (CV = 38.25%). These results represent the first ever estimates for the common bottlenose dolphin over a wide portion of the Western Mediterranean Sea Subregion, with the potential to be useful baseline data to inform conservation. Specifically, they could be used as indicators under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive requirements, in conjunction with other study methods. Paper is available on line at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141113614000737 Regards, Giancarlo Lauriano and coauthors -- Giancarlo Lauriano Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale Via V. Brancati 60, 00144 Roma 06500724762 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From holly_morin at mail.uri.edu Tue May 6 13:34:03 2014 From: holly_morin at mail.uri.edu (Holly Morin) Date: Tue, 6 May 2014 16:34:03 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Exciting announcements from the Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS) Project Message-ID: <7BBE0BB4-B7BC-42BF-A87C-3836768D288B@mail.uri.edu> On Friday morning, May 9, 2014, The Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS) Team will host a special session, Communicating the Science of Underwater Sound, at the Acoustical Society of America?s (ASA?s) 2014 Spring Conference in Providence, RI. If you are attending the ASA meeting, the DOSITS Team invites you to participate in this forum on techniques and resources for improving the education of underwater sound. The special session will take place from 8:55-11:00am in room 554 A/B of the Rhode Island Convention Center. This session is being co-sponsored by the Education in Acoustics and Animal Bioacoustics ASA Committees. The DOSITS team is also excited to announce several new features available on the DOSTS website (www.dosits.org): There is a new look and feel to the DOSITS front page. It was recently redesigned to be faster and more mobile friendly. Other changes have made the whole site a bit more mobile friendly and DOSITS will continue this trend in the coming year. There are several new features available on the updated DOSITS front page: An interactive rotator box, which features a variety of DOSITS topics and provides direct access to deeper content with one click (or touch). A What?s New section, which lists and provides direct links to new and/or recently updated pages available on the DOSITS website. A Hot Topics section that features interesting and new underwater acoustics developments. As new, peer-reviewed, scientific papers or other materials that represent important, cutting-edge acoustics discoveries are published, a short summary and links to relevant DOSITS pages will be provided in this section. Other updated navigational components, including direct links (via boxes at the bottom of the front page) to the Audio, Career, Scientist, and Technology Galleries, have been added. Navigation on the left hand side of the DOSITS site has essentially remained the same, although drop down menus no longer appear. Also, new ?jump to topic? drop down menus are available on internal pages, and allow a user to see all content pages of a section and easily move to a new content page if necessary. A new gallery has been added to the DOSITS website: the Career Gallery. This searchable gallery describes over 20 careers related to underwater sound and is designed to help users gain an understanding of the diversity of career options available. Each career description includes details such as educational requirements, suggested knowledge and skills, possible duties and responsibilities, and an estimated salary range taken from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). An example of a current person in each career is also included to provide real-world context. Links to the DOSITS Technology Gallery and other content pages are listed for each career description. Information presented on the DOSITS website and its associated educational materials is based solely on current, published scientific research, and all content has undergone a thorough review by a panel of scientific experts. The DOSITS website has been developed and produced by the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography in partnership with Marine Acoustics, Inc., with support from the Office of Naval Research (ONR), National Science Foundation (NSF), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). To receive more information about the DOSITS project please contact Holly Morin (holly_morin at mail.uri.edu) Holly Morin Marine Research Associate II University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography holly_morin at mail.uri.edu 401-874-6414 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mnoad at uq.edu.au Wed May 7 16:14:52 2014 From: mnoad at uq.edu.au (Michael Noad) Date: Wed, 7 May 2014 23:14:52 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED IN AUSTRALIA FOR A BEHAVIOURAL RESPONSE STUDY ON HUMPBACK WHALES Message-ID: SECOND AND FINAL CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED FOR A BEHAVIOURAL RESPONSE STUDY ON HUMPBACK WHALES IN AUSTRALIA The Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Lab at the University of Queensland is seeking expressions of interest from volunteers for a five-and-a-half week behavioural response study (BRS) on humpback whales from September 19 to October 26 this year. The study will examine how humpback whale behaviour is affected by noise from seismic air guns. It is the fourth and last in a series of experiments, known as the Behavioural Responses of Australian Humpback whales to Seismic Surveys (BRAHSS) project, that has been examining this issue since 2010 in collaboration with the University of Sydney, Curtin University, the Australian Marine Mammal Centre, the University of Newcastle and Blue Planet Marine. The 2014 study will once again be conducted at Peregian Beach on the Sunshine Coast, just north of Brisbane, and follows several successful studies of humpback whale vocalisations and behaviour at the same site during the Humpback whale Acoustic Research Collaboration (HARC) as well as the first two years of BRAHSS in 2010 and 2011 (http://www.brahss.org.au/ ; http://www.uq.edu.au/whale). Volunteers are required mainly to conduct land-based observations of the whales as they pass our study site. Approximately 4,000 whales should migrate southwards within 10km of Peregian Beach during the field period making the site ideal for land-based tracking and observations of behaviour. We will also have a fixed hydrophone array moored offshore allowing us to record ambient noise and whale vocalisations and acoustically track singing whales in real time as well a second array of acoustic recorders deployed in the area for propagation modelling and recording the air gun signals. Some whales will be tagged with Dtags. Although volunteers will be used to help out on the boats, opportunities for volunteers to participate in boat work are limited and most time will be spent doing land-based observations. Volunteers will also have opportunities to participate in the acoustic recording and tracking of whales. Individual volunteers will spend approximately five hours daily (in two shifts) counting and observing passing whales from the land. Volunteers will get at least one day off per week, usually during bad weather. Due to the complex nature of the study, volunteers will receive detailed training at the beginning of the project and therefore successful applicants must be available for the entire duration of the project. A high standard of safety will be maintained throughout the field work and volunteers will be trained in safety procedures. Volunteers must be sociable as they will be expected to work and live as part of teams with shared cooking and cleaning duties. We expect that there will be up to 90 people (researchers, staff and volunteers) at the site. Volunteers must organise and pay for their own transport to the study site (close to Brisbane International Airport) but food and accommodation are provided once there. As meals are communal, fussy eaters are discouraged from applying! (vegetarians are fine). This project will suit people with a background in science (including recent graduates and graduate students as well as higher level undergraduate students) keen to gain experience in cetacean survey techniques, acoustics and behavioural response studies. Applicants should also be highly motivated and able to concentrate for several hours at a time. Those with previous survey experience of marine mammals or other taxa will be preferred. This is a rare opportunity to be part of a leading interdisciplinary study of the effects of noise on whale behaviour. The research project is being funded by the Joint Industry Programme on E&P Sound and Marine Life (JIP) (www.soundandmarinelife.org) and the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (www.boem.gov) as part of a broad investigation into the potential interaction between the sounds that are generated by the offshore petroleum industry and the marine environment. Applicants should reply with a single email to Michael Noad (mnoad at uq.edu.au), Rebecca Dunlop (r.dunlop at uq.edu.au) and Michael Williamson (m.williamson3 at uq.edu.au) outlining why they would be suitable for this survey, why they would like to participate, an outline of previous relevant experience, and any other relevant details. The email should include an attached CV and the names and contact details of two professional referees. The closing date for volunteer applications is 31 May and successful field applicants will be notified in June. PhD possibility CEAL is also seeking expressions of interest for an available PhD project. This project will aim to determine the function of humpback whale social vocalisations (http://www.uq.edu.au/whale/acoustic-comms). To be considered, candidates must meet the following criteria: * Successful applicant for BRAHSS field work * Hold an honours degree (preferably first class) and/or masters degree in a relevant subject area (e.g. animal communication, acoustic communication, animal behaviour, underwater acoustics) * If not from Australia or New Zealand, be competitive for an international research scholarship, i.e. having at least one published paper in a relevant area Potential candidates will take part in, and be interviewed during, the BRAHSS field season. If you wish to be considered for the PhD as well as volunteering for the field season, please put "BRAHSS 2014 field volunteer - consider for PhD" in the subject line of your BRAHSS volunteer application. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Michael Noad BVSc PhD Associate Professor Co-Leader, Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratory School of Veterinary Science The University of Queensland - Gatton Campus, Qld 4343, Australia. P. +61 (0)7 5460 1876 (UQ internal 50876) F. +61 (0)7 5460 1922 M. +61 (0)416270567 W. www.uq.edu.au/vetschool W. www.uq.edu.au/whale ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From s.kuczaj at usm.edu Tue May 6 06:28:33 2014 From: s.kuczaj at usm.edu (Stan Kuczaj) Date: Tue, 6 May 2014 13:28:33 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Animal Behavior and Cognition Table of Contents Message-ID: <7B0E2A72-42EC-45AB-B582-4ED3ADE1BECA@usm.edu> I have attached the Table of Contents for the latest issue of Animal Behavior and Cognition. PDFs of each article (as well as those for issue 1) are available at the ABC website for no cost: http://abc.sciknow.org/index.html Animal Behavior and Cognition is an open access peer-reviewed journal and does not charge authors any publication or processing fees. Manuscripts may be submitted to s.kuczaj at usm.edu or animalbehaviorandcognition at gmail.com [cid:a36ec128-fd23-43fd-af95-44df17d33d25 at usm.edu] -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: ABC_Cover_02-1.jpeg Type: image/jpg Size: 92893 bytes Desc: ABC_Cover_02-1.jpeg URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: ABC May 2014.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 84568 bytes Desc: ABC May 2014.pdf URL: From simo_esrg at eleseal.org Thu May 8 10:15:04 2014 From: simo_esrg at eleseal.org (Simona Sanvito) Date: Thu, 08 May 2014 19:15:04 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Elephant seals and killer whales - Field helpers Message-ID: <7.0.0.16.2.20140508191500.097198f0@eleseal.org> VOLUNTEERS FIELD HELPERS RECRUITMENT ------------------------------------ PROJECT: Long term study of southern elephant seals and killer whales behavioral ecology WEB SITE: www.eleseal.org POSITION: Volunteer (unpaid) field helper DURATION: 3 to 6 months, early September 2014 to early March 2015 LOCATION: Sea Lion Island, Falkland Islands, Southern Atlantic DUTIES: - Elephant seals: counts, marking, GIS data collection, observation of behavior, pup handling, collection of samples - Killer whales: counts, photoidentification, observation and videotaping of behavior, necropsies of preys DEADLINE: May 31, 2014; please note that, capabilities being equal, positions will be allocated with a first come first served policy Volunteer field helpers are required for the 2014-2015 field season of a long term project on southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) and killer whales (Orcinus orca) carried out by the Elephant Seal Research Group. The field work site is Sea Lion Island (Falkland Islands). Sea Lion Island on Google maps Successful applicants will receive adequate training and will help with tagging and marking, counts, mapping of seals positions by GPS, management of environmental data loggers, behavioral observations, handling (weighing) of pups, and collection of biological samples. Moreover, they will help with photoidentification and observation of killer whales, and their predation behavior. They will also help with necropsies of elephant seals and sea lions predated by killer whales. Volunteers will be supervised by the PIs and/or by trained technicians. Previous experience of field work is appreciated but not essential. The field season runs for 6 months, from the beginning of September to the beginning of March. Only applicants who can stay for a minimum of about 3 months can be taken into consideration. Preference will be given to volunteers wishing to stay for the whole season (6 months). Applicants are required to pay all expenses to get to Sea Lion Island, and telephone/Internet expenses while there. Accommodation and food at SLI will be provided by the ESRG. Accommodation on SLI is rather basic and self-catering, but quite comfortable for a field research setting. Applicants will be required to work for the whole length of the day, seven days per week, with just half day per week of rest. The work is physically demanding, and it is often carried out in bad weather conditions. People without a good tolerance to cold are discouraged to apply. The island is a wonderful place with a very rich and tame wildlife, including large colonies of penguins and marine birds. To apply please send 1) a cover letter describing your interest in the position, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) a copy of an identification document with picture, to dr. Filippo Galimberti (fil_esrg at eleseal.org). Please put all documents together in the same file. Preferred format for email attachments is PDF. Reference letters (3 maximum) are appreciated but not essential, and should be sent directly to the email address mentioned above. Deadline for submission is May 31, 2013. Due to the limited number of positions available we warmly suggest perspective candidates to apply as soon as possible. Filippo Galimberti & Simona Sanvito Elephant Seal Research Group fil_esrg at eleseal.org www.eleseal.org From rh.defran at gmail.com Fri May 9 10:57:46 2014 From: rh.defran at gmail.com (Richard Defran) Date: Fri, 9 May 2014 10:57:46 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication on common bottlenose dolphin coastal range and movements Message-ID: Dear Marmam subscribers, We are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper about the coastal range and movements of common bottlenose dolphins off of California and Baja California, Mexico. "Hwang, A., R.H. Defran, M. Bearzi, D. Maldini, C. A. Saylan, A. R. Lang, Kimberly J. Dudzik, O.R. Guz?n-Zatarain, D.L. Kelly and D.W. Weller. 2014. Coastal range and movements of common bottlenose dolphins off California and Baja California, Mexico. Bulletin of the Southern California Academy of Sciences, 113(1): 1?13" Abstract Range and movement data from boat-based photo-identification surveys of Pacific coast common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), carried out over a 6-yr period from 1996 to 2001, were collated and analyzed. Primary data sources were from surveys carried out in four Southern California Bight study areas: Ensenada (12 surveys), San Diego (95 surveys), Santa Monica Bay (170 surveys) and Santa Barbara (61 surveys). Additional data from surveys in Monterey Bay between 1990 and 1993 (84 surveys) were also included in some analyses. Photographic matches between the San Diego, Santa Monica Bay and Santa Barbara study areas ranged from a low of 42% to a high of 67% and averaged 53%. In addition, 32 of the 58 individuals (55%) identified in Monterey Bay also occurred in one or more of the four Southern California Bight study areas. Back-and-forth inter-study area movements recorded between 1996 and 2001, were exhibited by 157 of the 246 (52%) individuals sighted in two or more study areas. Minimum travel distances ranged from 104 to 965 km, with one individual documented to have traveled from Ensenada to Monterey Bay. The most rapid travel speed was 94.5 km/day. These results reinforce earlier characterizations of coastal bottlenose dolphins being highly mobile and capable of rapid travel along the Baja California and the southern and central California Pacific coastline. It is hypothesized that these extensive movements are related to fluctuations in local, regional and perhaps Pacific wide oceanic conditions that affect prey productivity and availability; combined with unique foraging strategies that have developed to meet these environmental fluctuations. A PDF copy of this paper is available for download at: http://scholar.oxy.edu/scas/vol113/iss1/1 or by request from rh.defran at gmail.com Regards, R.H. Defran and coauthors ________________________ R.H. Defran rh.defran at gmail.com Cetacean Behavior Laboratory San Diego State University -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From anamafaldacorreia at gmail.com Fri May 9 10:04:32 2014 From: anamafaldacorreia at gmail.com (=?UTF-8?Q?Ana_Mafalda_Tom=C3=A1s_Correia?=) Date: Fri, 9 May 2014 18:04:32 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] Urgent - Volunteers required in Portugal for MMOs in monitoring campaigns in the NE Atlantic Ocean (Isabel Sousa Pinto) Message-ID: *Issue: *Urgent - Volunteers required in Portugal for MMOs in monitoring campaigns in the NE Atlantic Ocean (Isabel Sousa Pinto) The Faculty of Sciences from University of Porto / Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research is preparing its 3rd year of cetacean monitoring in cargo ships from Continental Portugal (Porto/Lisbon) to Madeira Island (Cani?al). Sampling season will start in mid-June (date depending on the company schedules) and will go on up to October. The surveys will occur at least twice a month and last for about a week (go and return from the continent to the island). We are seeking volunteers for the MMOs team with, at least, one month of availability within the sampling season. Training will be provided but people with cetacean monitoring experience will be preferred. Successful applicants should possess or be enrolled in a BS or MS course in biology or related, be reliable, dedicated, adaptable and patient, as this work is highly weather dependent and requires consecutive days of work at sea. These are unpaid travel expenses to or within Portugal and accommodation between surveys are not covered, however, all the expenses on board are (food and accommodation). Participants can also participate in data entry and data analysis if they wish to work/learn with GIS and habitat modelling techniques. If you are an undergraduate or graduated student interested in pursuing a careen in marine mammal research, this is an excellent opportunity to learn and gain experience at sea. To apply please send a Motivation Letter and *Curriculum Vitae* to: ispinto at ciimar.up.pt and anamafaldacorreia at gmail.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prof. Dr. Isabel Sousa Pinto Prof. Faculty of Sciences of University of Porto Interdisciplinary Centre for Marine and Environmental Research - Director of Coastal Biodiversity Lab R. dos Bragas, *289. 4050-123* Porto, Portugal Email: *ispinto at ciimar.up.pt * *http://www.ciimar.up.pt/ * [image: Imagem intercalada 3][image: Imagem intercalada 2] -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: CIIMAR LOGO_sem fundo_1-1.png Type: image/png Size: 236716 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: fc.pos.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 154425 bytes Desc: not available URL: From bm8 at st-andrews.ac.uk Fri May 9 09:06:52 2014 From: bm8 at st-andrews.ac.uk (Bernie McConnell) Date: Fri, 9 May 2014 16:06:52 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Senior Electronic Design Engineer Vacancy Message-ID: <4F6ADB7E3988A54A8ED667FD02ED89F461BBDDB0@UOS-DUN-MBX3.st-andrews.ac.uk> Greetings, The SMRU Instrumentation Group has an exciting vacancy for a Senior Electronic Design Engineer. The advert and further particulars of this post are available at: https://www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk//ViewVacancy.aspx?enc=mEgrBL4XQK0+ld8aNkwYmBwnIWftdrm/vGNS+tquxTfcFy4pxdiG5ji3dln8+JMk/dDd6JuGFgfRWLiBd6Mjjp5D9rpL6x75hd0VDXlTadCsE5OdyhiS4TMowW8I793R1NtlCqVx3zr9/BAR+DmAXg== (note the last "==" in the address is essential) Please pass this onto anyone who may be interested in applying. Happy to engage in informal enquiries. Best Bernie Dr Bernie McConnell Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, Scotland. Direct +44 (0)1334 463280 Mobile +44 (0)7764 161891 Skype berniemcconnell From cmtalty at optonline.net Fri May 9 12:20:51 2014 From: cmtalty at optonline.net (Colleen Talty) Date: Fri, 09 May 2014 15:20:51 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [MARMAM] Summer Internship Opportunity Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center Message-ID: <2f658dc5.7f89b.145e26e513d.Webtop.41@optonline.net> Hi All, There is a research internship opportunity in Cape May NJ to help with bottlenose dolphin identification. I am doing my Masters Thesis on population and behavioral dynamics, and need help with the collection of data. The research will consist of photo identification, data processing, as well as educational outreach on the whale watch boat. This will look great on resumes, and I can use all the help I can get. Please email me at taltyc1 at mail.montclair.edu for more information, as well as apply using this link: http://www.capemaywhalewatch.com/internship.html Thank you! Colleen Talty From jlsumich1 at gmail.com Fri May 9 17:25:35 2014 From: jlsumich1 at gmail.com (James Sumich) Date: Fri, 9 May 2014 17:25:35 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication - Sumich et al 2013-foetal and post-natal growth in young gray whales Message-ID: <2579CC54-A647-418E-91CE-8B6D78F101B1@gmail.com> Hi all My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in the Journal of Cetacean Research and Management: Revised estimates of foetal and post-natal growth in young gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) by James L. Sumich, Sergey A. Blokhin and Piotr A. Tiupeleyev Abstract Patterns of gray whale growth in body length and weight with age are evaluated using published values of foetal and post-natal body dimensions at reported ages, supplemented with previously unpublished measured lengths of 88 mid-gestation foetuses, 82 first-summer calves and 30 second- summer whales taken in the summer/autumn Chukotkan native subsistence fishery. Gompertz growth models are fitted to foetal and post-natal lengths at age, predicting mean lengths at birth in mid-January of 4.7m, 7.9m at weaning and 8.7m at one year. The late foetal diapause in growth of length is not supported by the available data. Two equations were derived for estimating body weights from the linear body dimensions of length and maximum girth. For biomass estimates, two equations based on length alone and on both girth and length are derived. A multiple least squares regression equation fit to 14 measurements of the same whale over 14 months of captive rehabilitation predicts mean body weights at birth of 1,100?1,200kg, 5,100?5,200kg at six months (weaning), and 6,700?6,800kg at one year of age. The article can be downloaded from vol. 13(2) at: https://archive.iwc.int/pages/search.php?search=!collection15&k or by email from me at jlsumich1 at gmail.com Cheers, James Sumich, PhD Hatfield Marine Science Center Newport, OR 97365 jlsumich1 at gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ecm-parsons at earthlink.net Sat May 10 09:09:13 2014 From: ecm-parsons at earthlink.net (Chris Parsons) Date: Sat, 10 May 2014 12:09:13 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Late-Breaking News & Headlines: Second Call for IMCC3 Abstracts (Deadline: 3 June 2014) Message-ID: <027a01cf6c6a$2ff0d800$8fd28800$@earthlink.net> Due to extra space becoming available a second call for abstracts has been opened for the International Marine Conservation Congress. There are already many marine mammal presentations and sessions in the meeting including modelling impacts of disturbance, whalewatching management, impacts of noise, diseases and marine mammals, marine mammal protected areas, ethics and marine mammal. A special panel session has also been introduced on the infamous mermaid fake documentaries and how the public have reacted to them (largely by believing them) and how this undermines public confidence in science. Second Call for Abstracts for 3rd International Marine Conservation Congress The 3rd International Marine Conservation Congress will be held from 14-18 August 2014 at the Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre, Glasgow, Scotland, UK Have you just uncovered interesting marine study results? Has a conservation issue recently taken the foreground? Does a new marine policy need discussion? Due to more meeting space becoming available, IMCC 2014 is opening a second Call for Abstracts for oral (spoken), speed (short spoken), and poster presentations, Late-Breaking News & Headlines, in our effort to showcase the most up-to-date marine conservation science, policy and communications. If you have news or results that broke after the Call for Abstracts closed, you may still be able to present at IMCC in August! Did you just miss the deadline for the Call for Abstracts? You're also in luck! Due to the number of emails we've received asking for another opportunity to submit, we've opened additional times for presentations in the IMCC3 program! Your second opportunity to submit abstracts for IMCC3 starts Tuesday, 13 May. The IMCC3 Second Call for Abstracts will run 13 May to 3 June 2014. After reviewing so many impressive proposals and abstracts, and receiving requests from SCB members, we've also added these important themes and topics to be featured at IMCC3: UK marine conservation initiatives Marine renewable energy Impacts of marine oil spills on marine and coastal ecosystems & fisheries Marine conservation and the media GMOs and aquaculture Future risks posed by marine diseases Threats to deep sea ecosystems Marine conservation on the high seas? Educational strategies for marine conservation? For a complete list of themes, please visit: http://www.conbio.org/mini-sites/imcc-2014/about-the-meeting/congress-theme. For the complete second Call for Abstracts and instructions for submitting, please visit: http://www.conbio.org/mini-sites/imcc-2014/registration-participation/call-for-late-breaking-abstracts. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From bigjimna at hotmail.com Sun May 11 16:12:09 2014 From: bigjimna at hotmail.com (Marta Acosta) Date: Mon, 12 May 2014 01:12:09 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Urgent: Observers required for Norway Message-ID: Dear all,First of all, sorry for cross-posting. MAREFA, the Marine Research and Education Fund of Andenes is seeking for research assistant volunteers for this year?s summer cetacean surveys onboard passenger ferries in the area of Lofoten and Vesteralen islands, in Northern Norway. Survey Dates: From 1st July to 31st August 2014. DESCRIPTION: MAREFA is an NGO focused on research and conservation of cetaceans in the Norwegian Sea. We offer placements for volunteers for this year?s summer campaigns of passenger ferry surveys. The aim of the project is to study the distribution of cetacean species in the area between Tromso and Bodo. We are looking for higly motivated, adaptable, independent and responsible research assistants that can work well in a small team. The volunteers will be trained in Andenes (Vesteralen, Norway) and based either on the ferry or in a shared house in Andenes. The volunteers should be available to start the training in Andenes on the 25th of June. The accomodation both on the ferry and on land will be provided by MAREFA. The volunteers are responsible for getting to Andenes, which is connected via a direct flight to Oslo. Visual surveys will be conducted from morning to evening (for volunteers based in Andenes) and during 24 hours/day in shifts for ferry-based volunteers(during the polar day period of 24h of daylight). Species mostly encountered in the area are sperm whale, harbour porpoise, killer whale, minke whale, and occasionally pilot whales and atlantic white-sided dolphins. Other species less frequent during the summer months can also be spotted, such as humpback or fin whales. The volunteers will also interact with the public and give short presentations about the cetaceans in Norwegian waters. Volunteers with previous cetacean research expericence are preferred, but highly motivated students with other type of field experience (especially transect surveys) will be considered. Students will also have the opportunity to get involved in other MAREFA projects after the summer and work on the analysis of data collected during the ferry surveys. One month placements (either July or August) will be considered only for volunteers with previous experience and which will exclusively require training in the specific survey protocols, but not in species identification, as only a short training can be provided in the end of June.To apply or ask for more information, please send us your CV with a short cover letter to: info at marefa-whaleresearch.org Thanks! The MAREFA team www.marefa-whaleresearch.orginfo at marefa-whaleresearch.org+47 41419672 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jmstraley at uas.alaska.edu Sun May 11 23:57:22 2014 From: jmstraley at uas.alaska.edu (Jan Straley) Date: Sun, 11 May 2014 22:57:22 -0800 Subject: [MARMAM] New Publication: Depredating sperm whales in the Gulf of Alaska: local habitat use and long distance movements across putative population boundaries Message-ID: Dear Marmam friends, My coauthors and I are pleased to announce the online publication of our recent investigations of sperm whales in Alaskan waters in Endangered Species Research. Straley JM, Schorr GS, Thode AM, Calambokidis J, Lunsford CR, Chenoweth EM, O?Connell VM, Andrews RD (2014) Depredating sperm whales in the Gulf of Alaska: local habitat use and long distance movements across putative population boundaries. Endang Species Res. Vol. 24:125-135 ABSTRACT: Satellite tags were attached to 10 sperm whales *Physeter macrocephalus* (1 whale was tagged in 2 different years) to determine the movements of sperm whales involved in removal of sablefish from longline fishing gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). Tags transmitted from 3 to 34 d (median = 22) in 2007 and 7 to 158 d (median = 45) in 2009. Seven whales stayed in the GOA; all were associating with fishing vessels along the slope. Two whales headed south in June shortly after being tagged; one reached the inner third of the Sea of Cortez; the other?s last location was offshore Mexico at 14?N. A third whale stayed in the GOA until October and then headed south, reaching central Baja, Mexico, 158 d after tagging. The whales that travelled to lower latitudes followed no pattern in timing of departure, and at least 2 had different destinations. All whales passed through the California Current without stopping and did not travel to Hawaii; both are areas with known concentrations of sperm whales. Whales travelled faster when south of 56?N than when foraging in the GOA (median rate of median horizontal movement = 5.4 [range:4.1 to 5.5] and 1.3 [range:0.6 to 2.5] km h-1, respectively). Tagged sperm whales primarily travelled over the slope, but one spent considerable time over the ocean basin. Information on the timing and movement patterns of sperm whales may provide a means for fishermen to avoid fishing at whale hot spots, potentially reducing interactions between whales and fishermen A PDF of the paper is available through the ESR open access policy by copying this link into your browser http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v24/n2/p125-135/ . Or contact the corresponding author: jmstraley at uas.alaska.edu Regards Jan Straley University of Alaska Southeast Sitka Campus -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From lizhartel at gmail.com Mon May 12 10:54:47 2014 From: lizhartel at gmail.com (Liz Hartel) Date: Mon, 12 May 2014 13:54:47 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication on bottlenose dolphins and the efficacy of protected areas Message-ID: Dear Marmam subscribers, My coauthors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper on bottlenose dolphins in the Bay of Islands, NZ and the efficacy of protected areas on dynamic marine megafauna. Hartel EF, Constantine R, Torres LG. 2014. Changes in habitat use patterns by bottlenose dolphins over a 10-year period render static management boundaries ineffective. *Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems*. DOI: 10.1002/aqc.2465 ABSTRACT 1. Bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in northern New Zealand range widely and their coastal distribution increases their risk of exposure to a variety of threats. 2. Marine protected areas (MPAs) are increasingly used to protect species but there is a paucity of studies examining their ef?cacy. 3. In the Bay of Islands, New Zealand (35?14?S, 174?06?E), dolphin distribution and habitat use patterns were examined between two time periods: 1996?2000 and 2007?2010. In addition, dolphin use of tourism exclusion zones designed to protect the dolphins were assessed. 4. Spatial distribution was analysed using kernel densities and Mantel tests. 5. Broad-scale distribution patterns remained constant between the two periods but ?ne-scale dolphin distribution patterns shifted considerably. 6. The exclusion zones that were established based on results from the 1996?2000 study were rarely used in 2007?2010, and therefore no longer provided dolphins protection from tourism. 7. This research demonstrates the plasticity in dolphin habitat use patterns through time and the importance of re-evaluating the ef?cacy of static protected areas, especially for wide-ranging species. A PDF copy of this paper is available by request from lizhartel at gmail.com. Regards, Elizabeth Hartel and coauthors -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From walpeixeboi at gmail.com Mon May 12 18:46:02 2014 From: walpeixeboi at gmail.com (Waleska Gravena) Date: Mon, 12 May 2014 21:46:02 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: Were the Madeira River rapids a geographical barrier to the boto (Cetacea: Iniidae)? Message-ID: Dear Marmam friends, My coauthors and I are pleased to announce the online publication of our recent investigations of river dolphins in Madeira River Basin (Amazon) in Conservation Genetics. Gravena W, Farias IP, da Silva MNF, da Silva VMF, Hrbek T (2014) Looking to the past and the future: were the Madeira River rapids a geographical barrier to the boto (Cetacea: Iniidae)? Conservation Genetics. Vol 15 (3): 619-629 ABSTRACT: In the present study we tested if a series of 18 rapids on the upper Madeira River form an effective barrier to gene flow, and in particular if they delimit the distribution of the boto Inia boliviensis?which it is believed to occurs only in the Bolivian sub-basin, above the rapids?and I. geoffrensis, which occurs throughout the Amazon basin and below the upper Madeira River rapids. We analyzed 125 individuals from the Madeira River basin sampled from upstream and downstream of the rapids. As the two species are morphologically similar, we used diagnostic molecular characters from known reference specimens to assign individuals to species. We observed that all individuals of Inia from the Bolivian sub-basin up to almost the mouth of the Madeira River belong to the species I. boliviensis. Therefore we concluded that the rapids do not delimit the distribution of I. boliviensis upstream and I. geoffrensis downstream of the rapids as previously hypothesized. Since we registered I. boliviensis along almost the entire length of the Madeira River, we estimated gene flow, time of divergence and effective population sizes of the upstream (Bolivian) and downstream (Madeira River) groups of I. boliviensis using IMa2. We concluded that gene flow is uni-directional from the upstream to the downstream group. Divergence time between the two groups was estimated to have occurred *122 thousand years ago. The coalescent effective population size for the upstream group was estimated at *131 thousand individuals, while for the downstream group it was estimated at*102 thousand individuals. Recently two dams have been constructed in the region of the rapids; neither has a mechanism that will maintain connectivity between the upstream and downstream regions, and together with anthropogenic alterations to the hydrodynamic regime and ecology of the river will likely pose serious long-term and short-term consequences for I. boliviensis and other aquatic taxa. A PDF copy of this paper is available by request from walpeixeboi at gmail.com . Regards -- Waleska Gravena, Dra. Laborat?rio de Evolu??o e Gen?tica Animal - LEGAL Universidade Federal do Amazonas - UFAM www.evoamazon.net Associa??o Amigos do Peixe-Boi - AMPA www.ampa.org.br -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kylie.owen at uqconnect.edu.au Mon May 12 23:01:19 2014 From: kylie.owen at uqconnect.edu.au (Ms Kylie Owen) Date: Tue, 13 May 2014 06:01:19 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication on the most southerly world-wide sightings of pygmy killer whales Message-ID: <1399960882163.50049@uqconnect.edu.au> Dear readers, We are pleased to announce a new publication on observations of pygmy killer whales in temperate Australian waters which are thought to be the most southerly sightings of this species world-wide. "Owen, K., Donnelly, D. (2014) The most southerly worldwide sightings of pygmy killer whales (Feresa attenuata)?. Marine Biodiversity Records 7: e46" Corresponding author: kylie.owen at uqconnect.edu.au Abstract The pygmy killer whale (Feresa attenuata) is a rarely sighted cetacean species that is currently believed to be confined to tropical and subtropical waters. This paper presents four sightings off the east coast of Australia that are believed to be the most southerly sightings of pygmy killer whales worldwide (approximately 37.31?S) and extend the range of this species into temperate regions of Australia. Group sizes ranged from 20-70 individuals and on two occasions a second cetacean species was noted in the presence of the pygmy killer whales. All four sightings occurred when water temperatures were particularly warm for the area (21-25.8?C) and demonstrate the potential for changes in the strength of warm water currents to influence species distributions. The article can be accessed at: http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=9256930 Kind Regards Kylie and David PhD Candidate Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratory School of Veterinary Science University of Queensland Gatton Campus, QLD Australia, 4343 Phone: 0407 325 293 Email: kylie.owen at uqconnect.edu.au -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ecm-parsons at earthlink.net Sat May 10 09:11:28 2014 From: ecm-parsons at earthlink.net (Chris Parsons) Date: Sat, 10 May 2014 12:11:28 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] IMCC3 scholarships Message-ID: <027f01cf6c6a$8016ba20$80442e60$@earthlink.net> A follow on email to the announcement on a second call for IMCC3 abstracts. SCB Training Scholarships to Attend the 3rd International Marine Conservation Congress for Students from Developing Countries Deadline to Apply: 11pm EDT (GMT - 4:00) on Sunday, 25 May 2014. Thanks to a generous grant from the Germeshausen Foundation, SCB is pleased to announce a Training Scholarship Competition open to all qualified SCB student members. Each of SCB?s 2014 Regional Section Conferences (Asia, Marine, North America and Oceania) is offering several pre-conference workshops and short courses on cutting-edge conservation science topics, taught by leading conservation science researchers and practitioners. Scholarships of up to $2,000 are available to attend pre-conference workshops/short courses along with regional Section meetings in July/August 2014 for SCB student members from qualified developing countries enrolled in a post-secondary institution. Preference will be given to students enrolled in an accredited institution that is also located in a developing nation. To apply, students must meet all eligibility criteria listed in the right column of this page and, when applicable, also be accepted directly by the short course or workshop of their choice. All scholarship awardees will write a short article about their experience for the SCB newsletter within two months of the workshop / short course and conference attendance. Please Note: This SCB scholarship generally will provide only partial funding. Demonstrating that you have applied for/leveraged other available funds will strengthen your application. For more information, please go to: http://www.conbio.org/2014-scb-training-scholarships -- -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Society for Conservation Biology's "Marine Section List" group. To post to this group, send email to MarineList at conbio.org To unsubscribe from this group, send email to MarineList+unsubscribe at conbio.org For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/a/conbio.org/group/MarineList ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to MarineList+unsubscribe at conbio.org. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From lighthouse at abdn.ac.uk Tue May 13 09:00:07 2014 From: lighthouse at abdn.ac.uk (Thompson, Professor Paul M.) Date: Tue, 13 May 2014 16:00:07 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Funded PhD in harbour seal ecology Message-ID: <2d1b1adaae594a3a988ea96d8629d751@AM3PR04MB404.eurprd04.prod.outlook.com> Fine-Scale Habitat Selection in Harbour Seals - Fully funded PhD studentship for EU or overseas students. The University of Aberdeen is currently offering a PhD project on harbour seal movements and habitat selection. The project builds upon collaborative studies with the University of St Andrews, which involves fine-scale tracking of >25 harbour seals from our long-term study population in NE Scotland. The studentship includes both stipend and fees, and is available to any student worldwide. Applicants must have excellent academic credentials and relevant research experience from either terrestrial or marine systems. We are particularly keen to hear from quantitative students who have strong track records in either spatial modelling or capture-mark-recapture analyses. Most critically, we are looking for good problem solvers who have a proven ability to identify interesting biological questions and undertake publishable work within an inter-disciplinary team. Project details & application instructions can be found at: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/clsm/graduate/research/harbour-seals-674.php The closing date is Friday 30th May 2014 Further information about our research group and recent publications can be found at: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/lighthouse/ The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From meltemok at ims.metu.edu.tr Mon May 12 06:46:08 2014 From: meltemok at ims.metu.edu.tr (Meltem Ok) Date: Mon, 12 May 2014 16:46:08 +0300 Subject: [MARMAM] Critically endangered the Mediterranean monk seals of Turkey are in a great danger Message-ID: Dear Marmam subscribers, Critically endangered the Mediterranean monk seals ( http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/13653/0) of Turkey are in a great danger. Please see the following links for the details: http://www.monachus-guardian.org/wordpress/2014/05/12/monk-seal-breeding-cave-in-turkey-threatened-by-harbour-construction/ https://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/idris-g%C3%BCll%C3%BCce-mersin-de-akdeniz-foku-yavrulama-ma%C4%9Faras%C4%B1n%C4%B1-tehdit-eden-liman-projesinin-iptalini-istiyoruz-repeal-the-industrial-harbor-construction-in-mersin-turkey-which-will-eradicate-the-monk-seal We are hoping the help of MARMAM community so please consider signing the online petition against this marine terminal construction project at Change.org and share it widely: To help, please sign the petition at Change.org/petition/SaveMonkSeals Thank you for your time and help!! Meltem Ok Behalf of METU-IMS Monk Seal Research Team -- Dr. Meltem Ok, Post Doctoral researcher, Middle East Technical University (METU), Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS) P.O Box 28, 33731 Erdemli, Mersin Turkey E-mail: meltemok at ims.metu.edu.tr Tel: 0090 324 521 24 06 / 1365 (ext) Web: www.ims.metu.edu.tr -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From victoria.angeline13 at gmail.com Tue May 13 08:58:02 2014 From: victoria.angeline13 at gmail.com (Victoria Howard) Date: Tue, 13 May 2014 10:58:02 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Marine Mammal Research Internship Message-ID: *The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies is now accepting applications for the Fall 2014 Internship- deadline June 1, 2014* The IMMS Research Internship Program is designed as a way for students interested in a career in marine science to gain valuable research experience in a real-world setting. Interns will participate with multiple projects involving bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles and diamondback terrapins. As an intern, you will be trained in all aspects of dolphin photo-id research, sea turtle satellite tracking, and other current research projects at IMMS. Interns will also participate in other operations at IMMS including stranding response, education, and animal care. Our goal is to give Interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience in marine science research. Interns must: - Commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks. The internship can be extended depending on work performance. - Be available to work Mon-Fri and must be available for all boat trips. Some field days may fall on the weekends. - Have strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to admit mistakes. - Produce high quality research efforts and exhibit strong interpersonal skills. *Principle Duties include*: data entry, searching and cataloging journal articles, learning all research protocols, cropping and sorting photo-id fin images, learning to use photo-id programs such as Darwin (fin matching software), and FinBase (Microsoft Access), boat based field research (21? and 31? boats), and learn how to use ArcGIS Applicants must be 18 or older and must have a genuine interest in marine research. Applicants should be actively pursuing a college degree or be a recent graduate in oceanography, marine science/biology, biology, or a related field. Previous research experience in any capacity is a plus. Applicants must be able and willing to fulfill all duties outlined for this Internship Program. This is an unpaid position and Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, IMMS staff will be able to assist Interns in suggesting suitable housing options and locations *Please visit http://imms.org/internship.php for full Internship information and details on how to apply* -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Holly.Raudino at DPaW.wa.gov.au Tue May 13 17:43:52 2014 From: Holly.Raudino at DPaW.wa.gov.au (Raudino, Holly) Date: Wed, 14 May 2014 08:43:52 +0800 Subject: [MARMAM] Publication beaked whale records in Western Australian Message-ID: <87BCBF322C4774428366A91CEBE2E5070D64968D7C@KENS-EXCH-011.corporateict.domain> Dear MARMAMers We are pleased to share with you another publication on stranding data from Western Australia Christine J. Groom, Douglas K. Coughran and Holly C. Smith (2014). Records of beaked whales (family Ziphiidae) in Western Australian waters. Marine Biodiversity Records, 7, e50 doi:10.1017/S1755267214000475. Abstract Western Australia has an extensive coastline extending 12889 km (excluding islands) from latitude 35 degrees in the south to 14 degrees in the north. The extensive coastline intersects the distribution of many species of beaked whale. A total of 74 Ziphiidae were recorded as stranded along the Western Australian coast between 1940 and 2010 (70 years). Ten of the 21 species of beaked whales currently recognized taxonomically worldwide have been observed in Western Australia with True's beaked whale Mesoplodon mirus and Shepherd's beaked whale Tasmacetus shepherdi recorded more than elsewhere in Australia. Western Australia has the highest species diversity (10) of beaked whale strandings compared to other Australian states and regions. Gray's beaked whale, Mesoplodon grayi, was the most commonly reported species (33 records) and had the largest mass stranding group size (seven) of the beaked whales stranded in Western Australia. The records presented in this paper confirm the distribution of Arnoux's beaked whale Berardius arnuxii, strap-toothed beaked whale Mesoplodon layardii, Shepherd's beaked whale, Blainville's beaked whale Mesoplodon densirostris in Western Australian waters. The records presented of True's beaked whale confirm its presence in Australian waters, with Western Australia a possible key location for this species. Factors causing strandings and death should be investigated in future where ever possible, particularly the rostral injuries reported for six beaked whales. Beaked whale species identification should be confirmed through genetic analysis in future to maximize certainty of species identification. You can access the article at http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=9258894&fulltextType=RA&fileId=S1755267214000475 Or please contact us if you would like a PDF copy Thanks in advance, Holly Raudino, PhD Research Scientist Marine Science Program Dept of Parks and Wildlife * holly.raudino at dpaw.wa.gov.au * 9219 9754 [cid:image003.png at 01CF6F50.A23087B0] Science and Conservation Division -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image003.png Type: image/png Size: 22221 bytes Desc: image003.png URL: From cdmacleod at gisinecology.com Thu May 15 02:33:04 2014 From: cdmacleod at gisinecology.com (Colin D. MacLeod) Date: Thu, 15 May 2014 10:33:04 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] Introductory GIS and Species Distribution Modelling courses for Marine Biologists, Summer 2014 Message-ID: GIS In Ecology will be running the following introductory courses for marine biologists in the use of GIS and Species Distribution Modelling in June and August 2014. 1. An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology, 23rd ? 25th June 2014, Glasgow, Scotland: This three day course covers the basics of how to use GIS in marine biological research and is aimed at those who have little or no experience in using GIS, but who wish to learn. The course is taught by Dr Colin D. MacLeod, author of the ?An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology? series of books, and is taught in the type of language marine biologists will be familiar with. It consists of a series of background and practical sessions which will provide all the information needed to start successfully using GIS in marine biology. Cost: ?395 (?300 for students, unwaged and those working for NGOs). More information on this course can be found at: http://www.gisinecology.com/Training_Course_Glasgow_June_2014.htm. If you have any questions, or wish to book a place email: cdmacleod at GISinEcology.com. 2. An Introduction To Species Distribution Modelling In The Marine Environment, 26th ? 27th June 2014, Glasgow, Scotland: This two day course follows on from the introductory GIS course and provides all the information required to start using Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) in the marine environment in a practical and biologically meaningful way. In a series of background sessions, case studies and practical exercises, it covers how to create data layers of species distribution, how to select and create raster data layers of environmental variables, such as water depth, how to join information on species distribution to environmental information, how to export data from a GIS project for analysis in a statistical package, such as R, how to create spatial visualisations based on a statistical model and how to validate the spatial predictions of a model. The practical sessions work through a species distribution modelling project based on real marine survey data from start to finish. Cost: ?295 (?200 for students, unwaged and those working for NGOs). More information on this course can be found at: http://www.gisinecology.com/Training_Course_SDM_June_2014.htm. If you have any questions, or wish to book a place email: cdmacleod at GISinEcology.com. Note: This course requires a basic knowledge of GIS and how to use ArcGIS GIS software (as covered in the above introductory GIS course). 3. An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology, 11th ? 13th August 2014, Glasgow, Scotland: In association with the 3rd International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC) in Glasgow, Scotland in August 2014, GIS In Ecology will be running the above ?Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology? in the three days prior to the start of the conference. This allows those attending the conference to also attend this introductory GIS course while they are in Glasgow. For more information, email cdmacleod at GISinEcology.com. To book a place, visit the IMCC website: http://www.conbio.org/mini-sites/imcc-2014. 4. An Introduction To Species Distribution Modelling In The Marine Environment, 19th ? 20th August 2014, Glasgow, Scotland: In association with the 3rd International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC) in Glasgow, Scotland in August 2014, GIS In Ecology will be running the above ?Introduction To Using Species Distribution Modelling In The Marine Environment? in the two days immediately after the end of the conference. This allows those attending the conference to also attend this introductory species distribution modelling course while they are in Glasgow. For more information, email cdmacleod at GISinEcology.com. To book a place, visit the IMCC website: http://www.conbio.org/mini-sites/imcc-2014. Note: This course requires a basic knowledge of GIS and how to use ArcGIS GIS software (as covered in the above introductory GIS course). ================================================================================== GIS IN ECOLOGY - Providing Training, Advice And Consultancy On The Use Of GIS In Ecology To help the environment, please do not print out this email unless it is unavoidable. ================================================================================== -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From peter.evans at bangor.ac.uk Thu May 15 09:56:04 2014 From: peter.evans at bangor.ac.uk (Peter Evans) Date: Thu, 15 May 2014 16:56:04 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] European Course on Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation, 1-5 Sept 2014 Message-ID: <1400172963262.98856@bangor.ac.uk> *******************Apologies for cross posting ********************** Tenth European Seminar on Marine Mammals: Biology and Conservation Universidad Internacional Menendez Pelayo, Valencia (Spain), 1-5 September 2014 DIRECTORS: J.A. Raga (University of Valencia) & P.G.H. Evans (Sea Watch Foundation & University of Bangor) SCIENTIFIC SECRETARY: J. Tom?s & A. Perez del Olmo (University of Valencia) This international seminar represents the Tenth European course on the biology and conservation of one of the most threatened animal groups - marine mammals. The course consists of 15 sessions grouped into three modules: - The first module will show the latest advances and current research on several aspects of biology and pathology of cetaceans and pinnipeds with lectures on life history strategies, behavioural ecology, acoustics, parasitology, pathology, feeding ecology, statistical modelling, and assessment of population size and status - In the second module, there will be practical demonstrations of laboratory techniques applied to the research on marine mammals, covering dissection of a dolphin, acoustics and impacts of noise, dietary analysis, absolute abundance estimation from line transect surveys, and mark-recapture studies of population size and survival rates from photo-ID - The third module will deal with aspects of management and strategies for species conservation, including marine protected areas, at European and world scales. There will also be a round table debate on noise impacts. _________________ This seminar is supported by the project PROMETEO/2011/040 from the Generalitat Valenciana. TARGET AUDIENCE: ?University students in Biology, Veterinary, Environmental and Marine Sciences interested in learning the basics of studies on marine mammals and those wishing to learn about the latest knowledge advances of this field. It should also be of interest to Environmental Managers and postgraduate students who want to start doing research or conservation on marine mammals. ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY: Universidad Internacional Menendez Pelayo Student Office Plaza del Carmen, 4 E-46003 Valencia, Spain Phone +34. 963 108 020; Fax +34. 963 108 023 E-mail secretaria_valencia at uimp.es LANGUAGE: English REGISTRATION: This is limited to a maximum of 100 participants and is subjected to current availability and order of receipt. FORMS: These can be downloaded from - http://www.uimp.es/blogs/valencia/actividades/2014_marine_mammals_biology_conservation/ GRANTS: A limited number of grants are available for the course. Applications with form and cv (with university qualifications) should be submitted between 15 May and 15 June 2014 to jesus.tomas at uv.es REGISTRATION FEES: 130 Euros DEADLINE: 1st September 2014 (if places are available) REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT: Applicants must be university students or post-graduates. DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION: A registration form will be provided by the Student Office. Once this has been completed, it should be handed into the same ofice together with the following documentation: a) Photocopy of the passport b) Evidence that the applicant is at least a university or graduate student c) Original receipt showing payment of registration fees. PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT COMMUNICATION WITH THE STUDENT OFFICE IS NOT POSSIBLE IN AUGUST DURING UNIVERSITY VACATION TIMES? For any queries and a copy of the programme, please contact Peter Evans at or Juan Antonio Raga at kind regards, Peter Evans Rhif Elusen Gofrestredig 1141565 - Registered Charity No. 1141565 Gall y neges e-bost hon, ac unrhyw atodiadau a anfonwyd gyda hi, gynnwys deunydd cyfrinachol ac wedi eu bwriadu i'w defnyddio'n unig gan y sawl y cawsant eu cyfeirio ato (atynt). Os ydych wedi derbyn y neges e-bost hon trwy gamgymeriad, rhowch wybod i'r anfonwr ar unwaith a dilewch y neges. Os na fwriadwyd anfon y neges atoch chi, rhaid i chi beidio a defnyddio, cadw neu ddatgelu unrhyw wybodaeth a gynhwysir ynddi. Mae unrhyw farn neu safbwynt yn eiddo i'r sawl a'i hanfonodd yn unig ac nid yw o anghenraid yn cynrychioli barn Prifysgol Bangor. Nid yw Prifysgol Bangor yn gwarantu bod y neges e-bost hon neu unrhyw atodiadau yn rhydd rhag firysau neu 100% yn ddiogel. Oni bai fod hyn wedi ei ddatgan yn uniongyrchol yn nhestun yr e-bost, nid bwriad y neges e-bost hon yw ffurfio contract rhwymol - mae rhestr o lofnodwyr awdurdodedig ar gael o Swyddfa Cyllid Prifysgol Bangor. This email and any attachments may contain confidential material and is solely for the use of the intended recipient(s). If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete this email. If you are not the intended recipient(s), you must not use, retain or disclose any information contained in this email. Any views or opinions are solely those of the sender and do not necessarily represent those of Bangor University. Bangor University does not guarantee that this email or any attachments are free from viruses or 100% secure. Unless expressly stated in the body of the text of the email, this email is not intended to form a binding contract - a list of authorised signatories is available from the Bangor University Finance Office. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From manuel.castellote at noaa.gov Thu May 15 12:17:40 2014 From: manuel.castellote at noaa.gov (Manuel Castellote - NOAA Affiliate) Date: Thu, 15 May 2014 12:17:40 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper on wild beluga hearing Message-ID: We are happy to announce the publication of this paper. Folks interested in wild beluga hearing or cetacean bioacoustics in zoological settings might find it particularly useful. Castellote, Mooney, Quakenbush, Hobbs, Goertz and Gaglione. 2014. Baseline hearing abilities and variability in wild beluga whales (*Delphinapterus leucas*). Journal of Experimental Biology 217: 1682-1691. doi:10.1242/jeb.093252 This open access paper is available at: http://jeb.biologists.org/content/217/10/1682.abstract Regards, Manuel Castellote -- Manuel Castellote *, PhDCetacean Assessment and Ecology Program* National Marine Mammal Laboratory *Alaska Fisheries Science Center/NOAA* 7600 Sand Point Way N.E. F/AKC3 Seattle, WA 98115-6349 (206) 526-6866 (voice) (206) 526-6615 (fax) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jill.prewitt at nammco.no Wed May 14 06:56:42 2014 From: jill.prewitt at nammco.no (Jill Prewitt) Date: Wed, 14 May 2014 15:56:42 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Online publication of NAMMCO Scientific Publications Message-ID: <7A7C563FC4B81B4AB314ACFE3959215A029A6E66BC69@itp-aspexch1.nett.local> The North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission - NAMMCO - is pleased to announce that all previous volumes in the NAMMCO Scientific Publications series are now online and available as open-access (i.e., free!). Please visit the journal website at http://septentrio.uit.no/index.php/NAMMCOSP/index to find complete editions of Volumes 1-8, and the online early versions of completed papers in Volumes 9 and 10. The purpose of the NAMMCO Scientific Publications series is to make available, in published, peer-reviewed form, scientific papers which have contributed to the work carried out by the NAMMCO Scientific Committee. For more information about the series, please contact Jill Prewitt at jill.prewitt at nammco.no To order hard copies of Volumes 1-8, please email the NAMMCO Secretariat at nammco-sec at nammco.no Jill Prewitt Scientific Secretary North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission PO Box 6453 N-9294 Troms? Norway Ph: +47 77687373 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From holly_morin at mail.uri.edu Thu May 15 10:53:24 2014 From: holly_morin at mail.uri.edu (Holly Morin) Date: Thu, 15 May 2014 13:53:24 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Assessment of Regulator Resources and Decision Making Tools Message-ID: <53ADCDD6-3A12-4D6E-A131-61098F1B135B@mail.uri.edu> **apologies for cross-postings** Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS; www.dosits.org) is a comprehensive, educational website on underwater sound, designed to provide accurate scientific information at levels appropriate for all audiences, including regulators and policy-makers. Regulators have needs for comprehensive, easy to understand, and rapidly accessible resources. To meet these needs, the DOSITS team will be developing targeted resources over the next 18 months. To best serve the regulatory community, the team has created a brief survey designed to identify high priority topics and resource formats. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. All members of the regulatory community (government employees, federal and state contractors, NGO employees, and industry representatives that deal with underwater sound and/or marine animals) are encouraged to complete the survey. Your responses will directly influence the development of these new resources, which will be publically available on the DOSITS website. To complete the DOSITS Needs Assessment for the Regulatory Community, please follow this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/regulatoryneeds The survey will remain open until May 30, 2014. However, we would appreciate your completion of the survey as soon as possible. If you have any questions or problems with the survey, please contact Holly Morin (holly_morin at mail.uri.edu). Thank you for helping us help you! Holly Morin Marine Research Associate II University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography holly_morin at mail.uri.edu 401-874-6414 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From maja.nimak-wood at gardline.com Thu May 15 03:02:34 2014 From: maja.nimak-wood at gardline.com (Maja Nimak-Wood) Date: Thu, 15 May 2014 11:02:34 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] Field based MMO training course, June 2014 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01CF702D.2C8B2730] Pro-MMO Training Course Gardline Environmental Ltd.s' Marine Wildlife Department provides a field taught training course for new and current Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs), in preparation for the working environment of offshore industries, whilst giving the opportunity to expand marine mammal identification skills. The Pro-MMO course trains applicants to become fully qualified, JNCC approved, professional MMOs who gain exceptional field experience during their training. The classroom element of the course will take place in Portsmouth (UK) while field part on a vessel sailing across the Bay of Biscay. The cost of the course is ?650 and it includes all course materials, ID guide book, handouts, accommodation while on board, experienced staff and support afterwards. The next available dates for this 3-day field based course will be 10th - 12th June 2014. Application forms can be obtained from http://www.gardlinemarinesciences.com/services/service/field-based-marine-mammal-observation/ and all queries directed to maja.nimak-wood at gardline.com Deadline for applications: 26th May 2014. Maja Nimak-Wood Marine Mammal Scientist Gardline Environmental Limited Endeavour House, Admiralty Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3NG Tel: +44 (0)1493 845600 Fax: +44 (0)1493 852106 www.gardlinemarinesciences.com [cid:image002.jpg at 01CF702D.2C8B2730] Gardline Environmental Limited is part of the Gardline Group of Companies Registered in England No.04589816 | VAT Registration No. 640 4800 66 Registered office: Endeavour House, Admiralty Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3NG ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY - This e-mail and any attached files contain information that is confidential and/or may be subject of legal privilege, intended only for use by the addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, please be advised that you have received this message in error and that any dissemination, copying or use of this message or attachment is strictly forbidden, as is the disclosure of the information therein. If you have received this message in error please notify the sender immediately and preserve this confidentiality by deleting the message. No binding contract will result from this e-mail until and unless an officer, on behalf of the sender, signs a written document. Sender accepts no responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of this message as it has been transmitted over public networks. Unless otherwise specifically stated any views or opinions are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the sender Company. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System, on behalf of the Gardline Group of Companies. For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 7000 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 6658 bytes Desc: image002.jpg URL: From maresconference at ugent.be Fri May 16 03:08:57 2014 From: maresconference at ugent.be (MARES Conference Secretariat) Date: Fri, 16 May 2014 12:08:57 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Mares Conference - Marine Ecosystems Health and Conservation : Call for Abstracts & Registration Message-ID: <2FEDA2D1D0D18C42A5A2522A868382412589D34143@XMAIL07.UGent.be> [cid:image001.png at 01CF70FF.9D142BF0] Mares Conference Marine Ecosystems Health and Conservation 17-21 November 2014, Olh?o, Portugal Registration and Call for Abstracts are open ! Deadline for Abstracts submission: June 1st The Mares Conference will be held in Olh?o, Portugal, from November 17th to 21st, 2014. This international and open conference will bring together scientists from different levels and disciplines to discuss and address main issues about marine ecosystems health and conservation. Six themes will be developed through the conference, and for each one a keynote speaker has been invited: 1. Future Oceans : temperature changes - hypoxia - acidification 2. Understanding biodiversity effects on the functioning of marine ecosystems : Lisa Levin 3. Biological invasions: Gregory M. Ruiz 4. Natural Resources : overexploitation, fisheries and aquaculture: Rainer Froese 5. Ocean noise pollution: Peter L. Tyack 6. Habitat loss, urban development, coastal infrastructures and Marine Spatial Planning: Michael W. Beck Marine Mammals related topics are foreseen during sessions such as Ocean Noise pollution and Natural Resources Exploitation. The conference will be dynamic, innovative and participative, mixing oral presentations, round table discussions, and posters / digital objects sessions. Scientific and social programme are detailed here: http://www.maresconference.eu/programme. We invite all participants to write and submit one or more abstract(s). Guidelines and submission forms are available here: http://www.maresconference.eu/callforabstracts. Deadline for abstract submission is set on Sunday 1 June 2014. Early bird Registrations are open: http://www.maresconference.eu/registrationform. The early bird registration deadline, with reduced rates, is 15 August 2014. Further information can be found on the website : www.maresconference.eu We look forward to meeting you in Faro, The organizing committee, Prof. Dr. Adelino Canario Prof. Dr. Karim Erzini Prof. Dr. Est?r Serr?o Prof. Rui Santos Prof. Dr. Magda Vincx Dr. Tim Deprez Pieter Blondeel Wendy Massart PS: Sorry for any cross-posting [cid:image002.jpg at 01CF70FF.9D142BF0] MARES Conference Coordination Office Ghent University Marine Biology Research Group Krijgslaan 281/S8 B-9000 Ghent , Belgium Tel. +32 9 264 85 26 maresconference at ugent.be www.maresconference.eu -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 16421 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 2414 bytes Desc: image002.jpg URL: From grgur.pleslic at blue-world.org Sun May 18 01:16:41 2014 From: grgur.pleslic at blue-world.org (=?iso-8859-2?Q?Grgur_Plesli=E6?=) Date: Sun, 18 May 2014 10:16:41 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Volunteering opportunities at ADP North Dalmatia Message-ID: <000001cf7271$80b2dbf0$821893d0$@blue-world.org> Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation runs several research projects on bottlenose dolphins in the Adriatic Sea. You can now join our research team in North Dalmatia as a volunteer and contribute to our effort to understand and protect this vulnerable species. The duration of volunteer courses is 10 days. During this time volunteers are an integral part of the team, living and working on board our mobile field station MB Anika - a 14 meters long wooden kutter. During field surveys volunteers and researchers use a 5.2 meters inflatable boat to search for dolphins and collect navigational, environmental, photo-ID and behavioural data. Upon returning to MB Anika the team works on data storage and analysis, boat maintenance, but there is also plenty of time off. This is a great opportunity to learn first-hand about biology and ecology of the species, practice skills and techniques to collect and analyze data and to have great time sailing through stunning archipelago. To find out more about the project and available dates and prices, please see this link: http://www.blue-world.org/en/get-involved/volunteer/Volunteer_at_ADP_North_D almatia/ Or send an e-mail to: grgur.pleslic at blue-world.org Grgur Plesli? Senior Researcher Blue World Institute http://www.blue-world.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From phillip.clapham at noaa.gov Mon May 19 16:57:15 2014 From: phillip.clapham at noaa.gov (Phillip Clapham - NOAA Federal) Date: Mon, 19 May 2014 16:57:15 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper on humpback whales Message-ID: I am happy to announce publication of the following paper: Andriolo, A., Zerbini, A., Moreira, S., Pizzorno, J., Maia, Y., Danilewicz, D., Mamede, N, Castro, F. & Clapham, P. 2014. What do humpback whale pairs do after tagging? Zoologia 31: 105-113. ABSTRACT: The social structure of humpback whales in their tropical wintering grounds is very fluid. To date, no information has been published for cases in which two whales were both satellite-tagged while in association. Here, we report the movements of four humpback whale pairs tagged together off the coast of Brazil. Fieldwork and satellite tagging of humpback whales was conducted between 2003 and 2008 along the eastern coast of Brazil, between 20?S and 8?S. Movement was monitored while whales were still in their breeding ground. A switching state space model was applied to the filtered data of each humpback whale to standardize telemetry data and allow direct comparison of each individual track. GIS was used to plot model-predicted locations and to visually compare animal movements. The results confirm the short-lived nature of associations between breeding humpback whales, and show that individuals differ widely in their movements. Reprints are available from the senior author: *artur.andriolo at ufjf.edu.br * -- Phillip J. Clapham, Ph.D. Leader, Cetacean Assessment and Ecology Program National Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center 7600 Sand Point Way NE Seattle, WA 98115, USA tel 206 526 4037 fax 206 526 6615 email phillip.clapham at noaa.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jlewi006 at fiu.edu Sun May 18 10:56:23 2014 From: jlewi006 at fiu.edu (Jennifer Lewis) Date: Sun, 18 May 2014 12:56:23 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Volunteers Needed Bottlenose Research Message-ID: The Tropical Dolphin Research Foundation is a 501c3 (www.tropicaldolphin.org ). We need volunteer interns to work with us in the field during the month of June off Key West, Florida. Work will involve (after training) help collecting data on wild bottlenose dolphins, help with data entry and analysis, and clean up maintenance of vessels/vehicles. During the internship, education will be provided on marine mammal biology and behavior in addition to seamanship skills and general field ecology (some through evening lectures, some through hands on training). The research project involves investigation of a unique feeding behavior (mud plume feeding: Lewis, J and W. Schroeder. 2003. MUD PLUME FEEDING, A UNIQUE FORAGING BEHAVIOR OF THE BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN IN THE FLORIDA KEYS. Gulf of Mexico Science 21: 92-97. The position is voluntary. Interns are responsible for travel, food and lodging costs. TDRF locates a house where interns stay for the duration with researchers. Interns can opt to stay for the duration (one month) or shorter. We prefer a minimum of two weeks. If interested, please forward the following to Dr. Jennifer Lewis ASAP: CV with three academic references A short one page letter describing your interest in this internship and future goals. jlewis at tropicaldolphin.org www.tropicaldolphin.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kmchugh at mote.org Tue May 20 11:03:47 2014 From: kmchugh at mote.org (Katie McHugh) Date: Tue, 20 May 2014 14:03:47 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Fall 2014 Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Internships Message-ID: <537B9903.7090706@mote.org> *Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Internships Fall 2014 - Deadline June 1st* The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP), a partnership led by the Chicago Zoological Society and based at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida, conducts the world's longest-running study of a dolphin population. The program's primary goal is to contribute to a better understanding of the structure and dynamics of populations of small cetaceans, as well as the natural and anthropogenic factors that impact them. The SDRP uses an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach in conducting studies of bottlenose dolphins within Sarasota Bay, Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and the Gulf of Mexico coastal waters. For more information about the SDRP, please visit: www.sarasotadolphin.org . The SDRP is in the process of selecting volunteer interns for our Fall 2014 internship program (a minimum of 10 weeks of participation during 2 September -- 19 December, with applications due by June 1st). Please note that we are only seeking 1-2 interns this session and that we receive many more applications that we have openings -- the selection process is very competitive. The successful candidates will participate in the following research projects: 1) *Dolphin population monitoring project**:* (/YEAR ROUND/) This study will continue to monitor the resident bottlenose dolphin community in Sarasota Bay. Duties in the field will include assisting with boat-based photographic identification surveys for dolphin groups one to two weeks per month. Behavioral, location, individual, and environmental data will be recorded for each dolphin group, and additional data related to human-dolphin interactions will also be collected in conjunction with this project. While in the lab (at least 2 wks per month), work will generally involve photo-identification of dolphins, computer data entry, video logging, dolphin dorsal fin identification catalog maintenance, equipment maintenance and other duties. 2) *Dolphin prey and habitat use project**:* (/JAN-MAR & JUN-SEPT ONLY/) This study will use the Sarasota dolphin community and fish populations to study relationships between distributions of dolphins and their prey and factors that affect fish community ecology, such as red tide. While in the field, work will involve sampling of fish communities through purse seining techniques, collection of prey fish for nutritional analysis, and collection of other environmental data. Interns may participate in this project 2-3 days per month. Interns should expect to spend about 20% of their time in the field, and about 80% of their time in the lab working with data, or performing equipment maintenance. There is no compensation for these internship positions, and successful applicants will be responsible for their own living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. Shared housing opportunities near Mote Marine Laboratory may be available (cost: $90/week). A few scholarships are available from Mote Marine Laboratory through a competitive application process (US citizens only). Applicants would ideally have the following qualifications: * Minimum of 18 years of age and engaged in or recently completed undergraduate studies; * A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or a related field; * Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (especially Excel and Access); * Some field research experience preferred but not required; * Must be able to swim; * Enthusiasm and desire to learn a variety of field and lab based research methods; * A willingness to spend a minimum of 10-12 weeks working full time as a volunteer with our program. * * *To apply for a Sarasota Dolphin Research Program internship, interested persons should:* 1) Fill out an application form at Mote Marine Laboratory's website (www.mote.org/interns ). Be sure to select "Sarasota Dolphin Research Program" as your first choice; 2) Complete and provide to Mote's intern office all other application materials including: a statement of interest, current college transcript, letter of recommendation, and /curriculum vitae/; 3) Send an email to SDRP Intern Coordinator (Katie McHugh, _kmchugh at mote.org_) stating your name, contact information, exact dates and duration of availability, where you learned about the internship opportunity (/e.g. /Mote, SDRP, Brookfield Zoo website, MARMAM, etc.), and that you have provided all application materials to the Mote intern office, as detailed above. All applications will be reviewed; those received by the application deadline of June 1st will be given first priority. We are seeking 1-2 interns for the fall, depending on scheduling. These are competitive positions - we typically receive many more applications than we can accept. Applicants may contact Katie McHugh (941-388-4441 ext. 450, kmchugh at mote.org ) in the SDRP with any questions. Applicants applying because of an interest in possibly being involved in graduate studies with the SDRP should discuss their interests with Program Director Randall Wells upon acceptance into the program. -- ************************************ Katherine McHugh Staff Scientist Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Chicago Zoological Society c/o Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 388-4441 x450 office (650) 400-2776 cell kmchugh at mote.org ************************************ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From glazovd at gmail.com Tue May 20 08:22:43 2014 From: glazovd at gmail.com (Dmitri Glazov) Date: Tue, 20 May 2014 19:22:43 +0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Eighth International Conference "Marine Mammals of the Holarctic" In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Dear Colleagues! We inform you about changes on the conference website. Dear participants of the VIII International conference "Marine mammals of Holarctic", which will be held in St. Petersburg from 22 to 27 September 2014. There are now new opportunities in the conference website: ? Possibility to pay the registration fee via the Internet Bank by "Visa" card, "Master card" or "Maestro". ? Booking rooms in the hotel and their payment ? Selection, reservation and payment excursion programs We remind you that your registration in the Personal Account is not a registration for the Conference until the registration fee will not be paid. We remind you that the payment of early registration fees will be ended from 1 of July. More details you can find on the conference website: www.mmc2014spb.com. The conference will be accompanied by photo exhibition made during the expeditions by the members of the SMM: Dr. Filatova O., Dr. Semenova V., Babushkina M., Dr. Shpak O.V. and others. Also you could see documentary films and the results of the children drawing contest named by V.M. Smirin. We will be glad to see you on September 22 at the VIII International conference "Marine mammals of Holarctic"! online: http://www.mmc2014spb.com/en/ Sinserely, Conference Organizing Committee 2014-03-24 0:18 GMT+04:00 Dmitri Glazov : > > Dear Colleagues! > > We remind you that the opening of registration on Eighth International > Conference ?Marine Mammals of the Holarctic? > > online: > > http://www.mmc2014spb.com/en/ > > > Sinserely, > > Conference Organizing Committee > > -- > Dmitry Glazov > Deputy head of Russian White Whale Program > www.sevin-expedition.ru > > A.N. Severtsov Institute of the Ecology and Evolution, > Russian Academy of Sciences > 33 Leninskiy prosp., Moscow, 119071, Russia > www.sevin.ru > glazovd at gmail.com > > Tel. mob. +79104051823 > > Tel. + 74959541511 > > Fax. +74959581260 > -- Dmitry Glazov Deputy head of Russian White Whale Program www.sevin-expedition.ru A.N. Severtsov Institute of the Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences 33 Leninskiy prosp., Moscow, 119071, Russia www.sevin.ru glazovd at gmail.com Tel. mob. +79104051823 Tel. + 74959541511 Fax. +74959581260 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kathy.james at seawatchfoundation.org.uk Tue May 20 06:36:41 2014 From: kathy.james at seawatchfoundation.org.uk (Kathy James) Date: Tue, 20 May 2014 14:36:41 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] Training course advert Message-ID: <00f401cf7430$88b7e8c0$9a27ba40$@seawatchfoundation.org.uk> 2-DAY CETACEAN SURVEYING TRAINING COURSES New Quay, West Wales A short course to learn about British cetaceans, how to survey for them and contribute to their conservation! 14th-15th June 2014 For more information and booking visit: http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/cetacean-survey-training-courses/ or contact info at seawatchfoundation.org.uk. The course will consist of illustrated lectures and video presentations, as well as headland watches and boat surveys aboard a local research vessel. The area where land and boat trips will be undertaken is the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC), a place well-known for the presence and high sighting frequency of bottlenose dolphins (the largest population in the UK), harbour porpoises and grey seals. These populations are protected in the SAC following the 1992 EU Species and Habitat Directive. The Sea Watch Foundation is the most experienced organisation in the UK for training observers and students interested in marine mammals, having run courses for over twenty years. It has provided training for staff from all three national statutory conservation agencies, the Environment Agency, CEFAS, Department of the Environment, Wildlife Trusts, Royal Navy, and MMOs working with the oil and gas industries. Most of the field guides on cetaceans on the market in UK have actually been written or had consultations from the Sea Watch Foundation. Thus we hope we can guarantee a very high level training course given by highly experienced staff. The lectures and videos will focus on general biology and classification of cetaceans, species identification, conservation issues facing UK cetaceans, and recommended monitoring survey methods. The course will be based at New Quay, Ceredigion, West Wales, where our Welsh office is based. It will provide an unparalleled opportunity to see marine mammals in the wild and to contribute to cetacean conservation in Britain. The practical element of the course will combine both land and boat-based surveys allowing participants to directly learn how to conduct systematic watches and fill in standardised recording forms. Land and Boat-based work will teach participants the skills needed for: . identifying the various cetaceans species found in the area . estimating group size and distinguishing between calves, juveniles and adults . determining cetacean behaviours . assessing sea state and other key environmental features . learning some basic photographic techniques aimed at identifying single individuals www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk Kathy James Sightings Officer Sea Watch Foundation Paragon House Wellington Place New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9NR Tel: 01545 561227 www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 18986 bytes Desc: not available URL: From karen.martien at noaa.gov Tue May 20 14:08:54 2014 From: karen.martien at noaa.gov (Karen Martien - NOAA Federal) Date: Tue, 20 May 2014 14:08:54 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper on false killer whale genetic structure Message-ID: We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper: Martien, K.K., S.J. Chivers, R.W. Baird, F.I. Archer, A.M. Gorgone, B.L. Hancock-Hanser, D. Mattila, D.J. McSweeney, E.M. Oleson, C. Palmer, V.L. Pease, K.M. Robertson, G.S. Schorr, M.B. Schultz, D.L. Webster, B.L. Taylor. 2014. Nuclear and mitochondrial patterns of population structure in North Pacific false killer whales (*Pseudorca crassidens*). Journal of Heredity. doi: 10.1093/jhered/esu029. Abstract: False killer whales (*Pseudorca crassidens*) are large Delphinids typically found in deep water far offshore. However, in the Hawaiian Archipelago there are two resident island-associated populations of false killer whales, one in the waters around the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) and one in the waters around the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). We use mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences and genotypes from 16 nuclear (nucDNA) microsatellite loci from 206 individuals to examine levels of differentiation among the two island-associated populations and offshore animals from the central and eastern North Pacific. Both mtDNA and nucDNA exhibit highly significant differentiation between populations, confirming limited gene flow in both sexes. The mtDNA haplotypes exhibit a strong pattern of phylogeographic concordance, with island-associated populations sharing three closely related haplotypes not found elsewhere in the Pacific. However, nucDNA data suggests that NWHI animals are at least as differentiated from MHI animals as they are from offshore animals. The patterns of differentiation revealed by the two marker types suggest that the island-associated false killer whale populations likely share a common colonization history, but have limited contemporary gene flow. Reprints are available from the senior author (Karen.Martien at noaa.gov) or from the Cascadia Research Collective website ( http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/hawaii/Martienetal2014.pdf). -- Karen K. Martien, Ph.D. Southwest Fisheries Science Center 8901 La Jolla Shores Dr. La Jolla, CA 92037, USA Phone: 858-546-7058 Fax: 858-546-7003 Karen.Martien at noaa.gov http://swfsc.noaa.gov/mmtd-mmgenetics -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From aileen at pacificbio.org Wed May 21 10:58:42 2014 From: aileen at pacificbio.org (Aileen Jeffries) Date: Wed, 21 May 2014 10:58:42 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] Internship for Harbor Porpoise Study Message-ID: <000c01cf751e$4ece5f10$ec6b1d30$@pacificbio.org> Harbor Porpoise Internship The Harbor Porpoise Project with Pacific Biodiversity Institute has an opening for an intern for the summer, 2014. The intern position will be full time starting in May or June with a minimum duration of 3 months. The intern will have a 5 day work week with some flexibility in determining his or her work schedule. Some weekend work may be necessary. Duties: Interns will participate in field activities including land and water based visual surveys and Photo ID of cetaceans. They will learn how to take photographs for Photo ID work, handle acoustic instruments and will gain experience with data reduction and analysis. Research: This research is designed to provide an understanding of temporal and spatial aspects of the distribution of harbor porpoises. The internship offers an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain field and laboratory training in visual survey methodology, Photo ID and acoustic data collection and analysis. We are using high frequency hydrophones and acoustic spectral analysis software for parts of the work. The interns will learn how this equipment operates and work with acoustic data. Costs: Limited expenses will be covered and housing is provided for this internship position. If the intern extends for an additional 3 months a stipend may be negotiated. Living Arrangements and Transportation: The intern will be provided living accommodations in Anacortes during the time of the internship. During the work period interns must have a personal vehicle, bicycle or use public transportation to allow them to travel to and from the survey field sites. Requirements: Applicants must be advanced undergraduates or graduates of a scientifically oriented university program in the behavioral, acoustical or biological sciences. A typical applicant should have a strong interest in the scientific study of cetacean behavioral ecology and have interest in future graduate study in marine mammal science. The applicant must be an individual who seeks extensive and intensive exposure to the field work, data analysis techniques, and research literature in this field. The applicant must take initiative, be willing to work intensively, be self-motivated and be able to work as part of a team. Preference will be given to persons with experience handling a boat in the Puget Sound. Application: Interested applicants should first send an email with resume and a description of their background and interests to Aileen Jeffries, aileen at pacificbio.org, -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From pirotts at libero.it Thu May 22 07:45:43 2014 From: pirotts at libero.it (Enrico Pirotta) Date: Thu, 22 May 2014 16:45:43 +0200 (CEST) Subject: [MARMAM] New paper on variation in harbour porpoise activity in response to seismic survey noise Message-ID: <1497322404.10378561400769943169.JavaMail.defaultUser@defaultHost> Dear MARMAM colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the following paper has been published online: Enrico Pirotta, Kate L. Brookes, Isla M. Graham and Paul M. Thompson (2014). Variation in harbour porpoise activity in response to seismic survey noise. Biology Letters 10(5): 20131090. ABSTRACT: Animals exposed to anthropogenic disturbance make trade-offs between perceived risk and the cost of leaving disturbed areas. Impact assessments tend to focus on overt behavioural responses leading to displacement, but trade-offs may also impact individual energy budgets through reduced foraging performance. Previous studies found no evidence for broad-scale displacement of harbour porpoises exposed to impulse noise from a 10 day two-dimensional seismic survey. Here, we used an array of passive acoustic loggers coupled with calibrated noise measurements to test whether the seismic survey influenced the activity patterns of porpoises remaining in the area. We showed that the probability of recording a buzz declined by 15% in the ensonified area and was positively related to distance from the source vessel. We also estimated received levels at the hydrophones and characterized the noise response curve. Our results demonstrate how environmental impact assessments can be developed to assess more subtle effects of noise disturbance on activity patterns and foraging efficiency. KEY WORDS: activity budget, anthropogenic disturbance, environmental impact assessment, foraging efficiency. A PDF copy of the work can be downloaded from: http://rsbl.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/10/5/20131090.abstract Please do not hesitate to contact me for any question regarding our work. Best Regards, Enrico Pirotta From simon.elwen at gmail.com Thu May 22 07:20:00 2014 From: simon.elwen at gmail.com (Simon Elwen) Date: Thu, 22 May 2014 15:20:00 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] =?utf-8?q?PhD_/_Post_Doc_Opportunity_=E2=80=93_cetacean_?= =?utf-8?q?community_monitoring_and_health=2E?= Message-ID: *PhD / Post Doc Opportunity ? cetacean community monitoring and health. * The Namibian Dolphin Project is a non-profit, research and conservation organization run by a small group of independent scientists in association with the University of Pretoria?s Mammal Research Institute and the Namibia Nature Foundation. Our mission is to research Namibia?s cetaceans to generate data on these populations that can be used for their conservation through sustainable management. see www.namibiandolphinproject.com for project background We are currently looking to expand our team and forge collaborations with researchers working on cetacean monitoring and health assessment. Consequently, we are seeking an experienced PhD student or recent post doctoral graduate (or both) to join our team in Walvis Bay, Namibia. This person would be expected to take a proactive approach in developing and leading research efforts within the framework of our *cetacean community health and monitoring programme* during a large coastal construction project taking place within Walvis Bay. Our core research focuses on a small and potentially threatened population of common bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) with additional research being done on Heaviside?s dolphin (*Cephalorhynchus heavisidii*), dusky dolphins (*Lagenorhynchus obscurus*) and humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*). New research will build on photographic, behavioural, acoustic, stranding and tissue datasets collected since 2008, thus scope to develop research questions is wide. Logistical and fieldwork support will be provided but limited funds are available at the moment and the successful candidate will be expected to assist in generating funds through grant applications, sponsorships (etc) to finance further fieldwork and living costs. Although training will be provided, the ideal candidate will have a background in the relevant field skills: photo-identification, biopsy sampling, small boat research, stranding attendance and necropsy and be able to work independently leading field research efforts. The candidate must be reliable, independent and self motivated and have a drivers licence for manual cars and be an experienced boat skipper. This position is open to all nationalities, but those from SADC regions will be preferred. The successful candidate will be expected to relocate to Walvis Bay, Namibia, for a minimum of 2.5 years during this project with some time spent in Cape Town, South Africa. Start Date: from July 2014 onwards. For further information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Simon Elwen or Dr Tess Gridley on nam.dolphin.project at gmail.com -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Simon Elwen Ph.D. Research Fellow at the Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria Based in: Walvis Bay - Namibia. Phone: +264 81 421 4968 (mob Namibia) +27 71 139 5951 (Mob SA) Namibian Dolphin Project: www.namibiandolphinproject.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tricia_lavery at yahoo.com.au Thu May 22 17:14:41 2014 From: tricia_lavery at yahoo.com.au (Trish Lavery) Date: Thu, 22 May 2014 17:14:41 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: Whales sustain fisheries: Blue whales stimulate primary production in the Southern Ocean Message-ID: <1400804081.50781.YahooMailNeo@web121706.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the release of a new publication in Marine Mammal Science: Whales sustain fisheries: Blue whales stimulate primary production in the Southern Ocean. Trish J. Lavery, Ben Roudnew, Justin Seymour, James G. Mitchell, Victor Smetacek, Steve Nicol. It has previously been asserted that baleen whales compete with fisheries by consuming potentially harvestable marine resources. The regularly applied ?surplus-yield model? suggests that whale prey becomes available to fisheries if whales are removed, and has been presented as a justification for whaling. However, recent findings indicate that whales enhance ecosystem productivity by defecating iron that stimulates primary productivity in iron-limited waters. While juvenile whales and whales that are pregnant or lactating retain iron for growth and milk production, non-breeding adult whales defecate most of the iron they consume. Here, we modify the surplus-yield model to incorporate iron defecation. After modeling a simplistic trajectory of blue whale recovery to historical abundances, the traditional surplus-yield model predicts that 1011 kg of carbon yr-1 would become unavailable to fisheries. However, this ignores the nutrient recycling role of whales. Our model suggests the population of blue whales would defecate 3?106 kg of iron yr-1, which would stimulate primary production equivalent to that required to support prey consumption by the blue whale population . Thus, modifying the surplus-yield model to include iron defecation indicates that blue whales do not render marine resources unavailable to fisheries. By defecating iron-rich feces, blue whales promote Southern Ocean productivity, rather than reducing fishery yields. Please contact Dr. Trish Lavery for re-prints: tricia_lavery at yahoo.com.au -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From whiteheadhal at gmail.com Fri May 23 11:15:17 2014 From: whiteheadhal at gmail.com (Hal Whitehead) Date: Fri, 23 May 2014 15:15:17 -0300 Subject: [MARMAM] SOCPROG2.5 Message-ID: An update of SOCPROG, SOCPROG2.5 (both compiled and uncompiled versions), is available at *http://myweb.dal.ca/hwhitehe/social.htm *. SOCPROG is a series of MATLAB programs written by Hal Whitehead for analyzing data on the social structure, population structure and movements of identified individuals. SOCPROG2.5 includes a number of bug fixes and enhancements since SOCPROG2.4. The most important changes are: 1. Addressing compatibility issues with the change from MATLAB7 to MATLAB8. 2. Compiled version of SOCPROG2.5 should work on Windows 7 or Windows 8. 3. Social association can now be defined using locational data. 4. Export to GraphML format. 5. Output of estimated standard errors of association indices. 6. Adjustment of association indices for gregariousness (Godde et al. Animal Behaviour 2013). 7. Estimation of mortality using social relationship data (Whitehead and Gero Methods in Ecology and Evolution 2013). I hope SOCPROG2.5 is useful. Let me know about any problems that remain, or have been introduced. Thanks Hal Hal Whitehead (*hwhitehe at dal.ca *) Biology Department, Dalhousie University -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jay at aisobservers.com Tue May 27 06:13:27 2014 From: jay at aisobservers.com (Jay Litchfield) Date: Tue, 27 May 2014 13:13:27 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Protected Species Observers needed Message-ID: <0C5FDEF49659204EBFD3E934B9FC3FB71BBD3E5A@EX4.rochester.sharedexchangesolution.com> Protected Species Observer A.I.S., Inc. is recruiting trained and experienced PSOs for several upcoming projects in the US Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico and North Pacific. Work is available starting in June. Candidates will be selected based on their experience performing PSO duties. At a minimum candidates should have the following: * NMFS and BOEM approved training * HUET-Helicopter Underwater Egress Training * Water safety/survival training with swing rope training * CPR and 1st Aid certifications Candidates with Passive Acoustic Monitoring experience are also encouraged to apply. Pay will be commensurate with experience. Travel expenses to and from the staging location will be reimbursable. To Apply: Please click the following link ( http://goo.gl/3Aydai ) send a resume, cover letter detailing your PSO experience, 5 references (name, email address and phone number), and any applicable credentials/certificates. For additional information please see our website: www.aisobservers.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ksekiguc at hawaii.edu Tue May 27 06:38:33 2014 From: ksekiguc at hawaii.edu (Keiko Sekiguchi) Date: Tue, 27 May 2014 22:38:33 +0900 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication on anomalous colored Pacific white-sided dolphins Message-ID: <000001cf79b0$f65f4f00$e31ded00$@edu> Dear MARMAM members, We are pleased to announce a new paper on anomalous colored Pacific white-sided dolphins in the new book "Dolphins" (2014, ed. by J.B. Samuels, NOVA Science Publishers, Inc., NY, 252pp.) Sekiguchi, K., Jefferson, T. A., Iwahara, Y., Yoshioka, M., Mori, K., Ford, J.K.B., Mitani, Y., and Gorter, U. (2014) An infrequently-occurring anomalous color pattern on Pacific white-sided dolphins, Lagenorhynchus obliquidens p.183-189. In: Dolphins. Ed. by J.B. Samuels, NOVA Science Publishers, Inc., NY, 252pp. Abstract: Anomalous body coloration often appears on many mammal species. In the case of cetaceans, coloration patterns may be particularly important and have functional and adaptive value. However, white animals for many cetacean species have been sighted world-wide, and also some anomalous color patterns have been reported. Anomalous, albinistic and leucistic coloration has been reported for the Pacific white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), distributed in the cold temperate waters of the North Pacific. One pattern first reported by Brownell (1965) has been seen infrequently, but 19 more sighting/capture records are restricted to nearshore regions in the eastern North Pacific (e.g., southern California, Monterey Bay, off San Francisco, Washington, and Alaska). We added seven sightings of these anomalous-colored animals over the wide range of the mid-western and central North Pacific in different years; five in 1987 and two in 2012. Color patterns for these animals were very similar, despite occurrence at different times and in widely separated locations. Although variable animals with this anomalous coloration, animals had darker thoracic patches often completely bordered dorsally and laterally by an extensive, white stripe. However, for some animals this white stripe was distinguished strongly only above the eyes. We compiled 27 records of this anomalous form, over a wide range in the North Pacific. The distribution of these records suggests genetic restriction in the sighting region (i.e. the mid-western to eastern N. Pacific). This type of anomalous color pattern has not been reported around Japanese coasts. Hayano et al. (2004) concluded that there are genetically-distinct populations around Japan. Anomalous animals observed in the mid-western, central and eastern North Pacific, but not off Japan, appear to support their conclusion. Corresponding author: Keiko Sekiguchi, e-mail address: ksekiguc at hawaii.edu Regards, Keiko Sekiguchi **************************************************************************** ******************* Keiko Sekiguchi, Ph.D. (Cetacean Biology) Research Fellow, the International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan E-mail: **************************************************************************** ******************* -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From michaelscheer at t-online.de Tue May 27 07:53:25 2014 From: michaelscheer at t-online.de (michaelscheer at t-online.de) Date: Tue, 27 May 2014 16:53:25 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: boto and pilot whale behaviors during close encounters with human feeders and swimmers Message-ID: <1WpIkn-49Wqo40@fwd25.aul.t-online.de> Dear MARMAM subscribers, on behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of a new book chapter: Scheer, M., Alves, L. C. Pinto de S?, Ritter, F., Azevedo, A. de Freitas & Andriolo, A. (2014) Behaviors of botos and short-finned pilot whales during close encounters with humans: management implications derived from ethograms for food-provisioned versus unhabituated cetaceans. In J.B. Samuels (Ed.) Dolphins: Ecology, Behavior and Conservation Strategies (pp. 1-36). New York, U.S.A.: Nova Science Publishers, Inc. The chapter is available as an ebook version online at: https://www.novapublishers.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=49794&osCsid=2e9a6d33c30e2f38e9c3ec2c6946b91f Or please contact me at michaelscheer at t-online.de to receive a pdf. Abstract Wildlife encounters of humans diving, swimming and wading in the vicinity of cetaceans in open water environments have increased worldwide. At the same time, the quality and quantity of close-up or interactive cetacean behaviors addressed towards humans appear to vary widely. In the past, free-ranging cetaceans were reported to avoid, affiliatively or aggressively interact with, injure or even kill humans. Indirect effects compromising the health status of target species such as entanglements, boat strikes or alterations of behavior have been reported as negative by-products. From the management perspective, encounters have to be regulated in order to reduce the likelihood of detrimental outcomes for both sides. It has been proposed to conduct studies on the quality of behavioral interactions to enable a comparison between species and locations, as well as to conduct research before commercial programs are implemented. However, self-initiated cetacean behaviors addressed towards huma ns still have received little attention, hence their structure and function largely remain unclear. This study compares self-initated behaviors addressed towards human feeders and swimmers as well as intraspecific behaviors adressed towards cetacean conspecifics during encounters with food-provisioned Amazon botos (Inia geoffrensis ) and unhabituated short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus ) in the Canary Islands. Encounters with botos were observed for a total of 18 h 30 min in Novo Air?o city, Amazonas State (Brazil), during two field seasons in 2008 and 2009. Short-finned pilot whales were observed 9 h 06 min off Tenerife and La Gomera (Spain) during three field seasons in 1996, 2001 and 2012. For the first time, an ? priori ethogram on interand intraspecific behaviors was used in each location and for each species to enable a comparison. During the majority of encounters (71%), short-finned pilot whales addressed affiliative behaviors towards swimmers. Neutral or avoidance behavior was shown during 29% of encounters. Intraspecific agonistic behaviors were rare. In contrast, botos did not show avoidance reactions to human feeders but were permanently attracted to them. During 36% of encounters, botos initiated affiliative behaviors. However, risky behaviors occurred during all encounters and botos also showed agonistic behaviors towards conspecifics. Nearly all risky interspecific behaviors remained constant or increased and all agonistic intraspecific behaviors increased from 2008 to 2009. Thus, humans continually were exposed to health risks. Food-provisioning of botos is now being managed aiming to reduce risky interactions. Swim programs seem to be the more preferable form to closely encounter cetaceans in the wild. However, it remains unclear how unhabituated animals would react when being exposed to repeated swim activities. Thus, we recommend that close interactions between humans and cetaceans -be it feeding or swimming- should be ge nerally discouraged. Where such interactions with tourists take place, they have to be regulated ideally from the very beginning. Our results can be used as referential data before initiating new interactive programs. Kind regards Michael --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Michael Scheer, Dipl. Biol. Brunnenstr. 15-16 28203 Bremen Germany T +49 - (0)421 - 731 87 F +49 - (0)421 - 764 82 M +49 - (0)173 - 238 61 56 www.pilot-whales.org www.pilotwale.de www.swim-with-whales-and-dolphins.org mscheer at uni-bremen.de --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From Leilani_Stelle at redlands.edu Tue May 27 13:38:57 2014 From: Leilani_Stelle at redlands.edu (Stelle, Lei Lani) Date: Tue, 27 May 2014 20:38:57 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Field Course "Marine Mammal Ecology & Conservation: Research Techniques" in British Columbia, Canada Message-ID: <12d2c23078ab475da7b948bac08b0852@red-ex2.redlands.edu> Field Course "Marine Mammal Ecology & Conservation: Research Techniques" University of British Columbia, in association with Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation (CERF), is offering a field course on the biology of marine mammals in British Columbia. The course is taught at the Salmon Coast Field Station in the remote Broughton Archipelago, British Columbia, Canada. The course will run over two weeks. Each day will include a mix of lectures and field activities, such as boat trips for direct observation of marine mammals. There will be an emphasis on learning practical field skills, including photo-identification, sampling techniques and behavioral observations, along with GIS mapping. Students may obtain academic credit by enrolling in UBC course Biology 448 (Directed Studies) or potentially through their home institution. Alternatively, participation can be as an internship experience with a certificate of completion. The course will be taught by Dr. Lei Lani Stelle, Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Redlands and Research Biologist with CERF. She has worked in BC over the last 15 years studying gray whales, river otters, and Steller sea lions. She also leads a study in Southern California that examines human impacts on all marine mammal species. Professional artist and photographer, Shane Keena, MFA, will teach skills in photographing animals in the field, including editing software (example images can be viewed at http://ShaneKeenaPhotography.com). The UBC contact is Dr. Wayne Goodey (Lecturer, UBC). Accommodations are in a house with shared, dorm-style beds, full bathroom, running water and electricity. Meals will be prepared communally. Dates Sunday August 3 - Friday, August 16th, 2014 Field Cost ~$1500 CDN * Course is limited to 10 participants * Deposit of 50% of the course fee is required to reserve your space Includes: * Instruction * Accommodation at field station * All meals * Round-trip transport between Telegraph cove and Salmon Coast field station * All activities (i.e. boat surveys) Does not include: * UBC tuition fees (payable directly to UBC) * Travel insurance * Alcohol * The cost of getting to Telegraph Cove * Expenses incurred before/after the course or spending money Additional information and applications are available at http://cerf.bc.ca/courses/ubc.asp Any questions should be directed to Dr. Stelle; leilani_stelle at redlands.edu Lei Lani Stelle, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Biology University of Redlands 1200 E Colton Avenue Redlands, CA 92373 (909) 748-8628 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From holly_morin at mail.uri.edu Thu May 22 11:44:37 2014 From: holly_morin at mail.uri.edu (Holly Morin) Date: Thu, 22 May 2014 14:44:37 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Reminder: Brief Survey to Assess Regulator Resources and Decision-Making Tools Message-ID: <3F322AF0-21BF-4D14-B251-237EE0301BF1@mail.uri.edu> Regulators have needs for comprehensive, easy to understand, and rapidly accessible resources.To meet these needs, the Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS; www.dosits.org) Team will be developing targeted resources over the next 18 months. To best serve the regulatory community, the team has created a brief survey designed to identify high priority topics and resource formats. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. All members of the international regulatory community (government employees, federal and state contractors, NGO employees, and industry representatives that deal with underwater sound and/or marine animals) are encouraged to complete the survey. Your responses will directly influence the development of these new resources, which will be publically available on the DOSITS website. To complete the DOSITS Needs Assessment for the Regulatory Community, please follow this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/regulatoryneeds. Please be sure to answer all survey questions, if possible. Many thanks to those of you that have already participated in this survey. Please remember, if you started the survey, but discontinued your efforts for whatever reason, as long as you are on the same computer/machine on which you started things, you should be able to log back in and complete your survey. The survey will remain open until May 30, 2014. However, we would appreciate your completion of the survey as soon as possible. If you have any questions or problems with the survey, please contact Holly Morin (holly_morin at mail.uri.edu). Thank you for helping us help you! Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS; www.dosits.org) is a comprehensive, educational website on underwater sound, designed to provide accurate scientific information at levels appropriate for all audiences, including regulators and policy-makers Holly Morin Marine Research Associate II University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography holly_morin at mail.uri.edu 401-874-6414 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Stacie.Koslovsky at MyFWC.com Thu May 29 06:27:12 2014 From: Stacie.Koslovsky at MyFWC.com (Koslovsky, Stacie) Date: Thu, 29 May 2014 09:27:12 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Manatee GIS and Data Management Position at Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Message-ID: <052552438E8CDF449F8082679BB5E85E265B5B20CB@FWC-TLEX10.fwc.state.fl.us> Working Title: OPS FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II Broadband/Class Code: 19-1023-02 Position Number: 77900909-51196773 Annual Salary Range: $16 per hour Announcement Type: Open Competitive City: SAINT PETERSBURG Facility: FISH AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH INSTITUTE Pay Grade/ Pay Band: BB008 Closing Date: 6/17/2014 Job Description: This is a technical position that supports Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) scientists in managing tabular and spatial (GIS) data for research on the Florida manatee and its habitat. Specific manatee research conducted at FWRI includes population monitoring, carcass recovery and necropsy, telemetry, mark-recapture, and habitat characterization. The incumbent will interact and problem-solve with researchers and field station staff on various projects. The main responsibilities for this position are entering and verifying tabular and spatial data; assisting with the creation, maintenance, quality assurance and quality control of multiple databases; developing cartographic products and tabular data summaries for use in publications, reports, presentations and field research and for management purposes; assisting with metadata documentation and data archive; and locating, retrieving and compiling biological and environmental data. The person in this position will communicate technical information to coworkers, while maintaining a professional working environment that promotes teamwork within working units and with the Marine Mammal Program at FWRI. The person will occasionally participate in public outreach efforts and may have the opportunity to take part in a limited amount of field work, depending on interests, skills and program needs. Required Education: A Bachelor's degree with a major in one of the life or physical sciences. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: * Knowledge of GIS, relational databases and data management principles. * Knowledge of wildlife ecology, biology, or natural systems. * Skilled at using a personal computer, preferably including experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and ArcGIS 9.x or 10.x. * Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to work well independently and as a member of a team. Qualified applicants will need to be organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated and adept at problem-solving and time management to succeed in this position. * Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Driver's License. Preferred Experience: Applicants having experience with SQL Server, Microsoft Lightswitch, Model Builder, Python and/or R may be given preference. Application Requirements: Applicants are required to submit a complete, up-to-date, State of Florida Application Form electronically in People First, by midnight on the closing date listed. Go to: https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com (enter 77900909 in the keyword search field). Additionally, applicants are required to complete the additional application questions and are encouraged to attach a cover letter, resume and three references with their People First application by the closing date. Further supporting documentation may be submitted in People First, but do not replace the requirement for a completed State of Florida application form. If you experience technical difficulties during the application process or when attaching documents, call People First staffing at 1-877-562-7287. If unable to attach supporting documents to your application, they may be faxed to the People First Service Center at 1-888-403-2110. Be sure to include the Requisition number for the position to which you are applying on each page of your faxed documents. WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT? Other Personal Services (OPS) employment is a temporary employer/employee relationship used solely for accomplishing short term or intermittent tasks. OPS employees do not fill established positions and may not be assigned the duties of any vacant authorized position. OPS employees are at-will employees and are subject to actions such as pay changes, changes to work assignment, and terminations at the pleasure of the agency head or designee. WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? * State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory * Workers' Compensation - mandatory * Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory * Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements) * Deferred Compensation - voluntary * Employee Assistance Program - voluntary The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. The State of Florida hires only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. An Employment Eligibility Verification Check will be conducted in the E-Verify System which is a federal government electronic database that confirms the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement. ________________________________________ Stacie Koslovsky Research Associate | Marine Mammals Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish & Wildlife Research Institute 100 8th Ave. SE | St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-896-8626 x 4757 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From cmtalty at optonline.net Thu May 29 07:41:34 2014 From: cmtalty at optonline.net (Colleen Talty) Date: Thu, 29 May 2014 10:41:34 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [MARMAM] Advice on dolphin identification programs Message-ID: <6acc0471.94de5.146486dcf10.Webtop.58@optonline.net> Hi, My company and I (Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center) are conducting research and building a bottlenose dolphin catalogue of our local dolphins. I am also using the data we are collecting for my thesis. We are currently using a program called IMatch, but want to look into other programs that use a server via the internet so several people can access the information at once. We were thinking of using FinScan, but cannot find the actual program anywhere- just papers that describe using the program. I was wondering if anyone had any insight at all about either FinScan or another cetacean identification program that they have used and where I may be able to buy or download the program. Any sort of advice will help, as we really want to move on from IMatch which is a one computer based program. Thank you for your time, Colleen Talty and the Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center From rwbaird at cascadiaresearch.org Fri May 30 09:49:30 2014 From: rwbaird at cascadiaresearch.org (Robin Baird) Date: Fri, 30 May 2014 09:49:30 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] Report on sonar exposure and movements of odontocetes off Kaua'i Message-ID: <97EEB27129689C4AB0328F320AB9FC9901A6F60CF970@SERVERBLUE.cascadia.local> New report available Baird, R.W., S.W. Martin, D.L. Webster, and B.L. Southall. 2014. Assessment of Modeled Received Sound Pressure Levels and Movements of Satellite-Tagged Odontocetes Exposed to Mid-Frequency Active Sonar at the Pacific Missile Range Facility: February 2011 Through February 2013. Prepared for U.S. Pacific Fleet, submitted to NAVFAC PAC by HDR Environmental, Operations and Construction, Inc. PDF available at www.cascadiaresearch.org/hawaii/publications.htm#reports or directly from http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/hawaii/Bairdetal2014_PMRFexposure.pdf ABSTRACT The Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) off the island of Kaua'i is the site of regular United States (U.S.) Navy training, some of which involves mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS) use from different types of military sound sources. PMRF includes acoustic instrumentation which allows for passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) capabilities to detect and localize sounds such as vocalizing marine mammals. Recent boat-based studies at PMRF have utilized real-time PAM (in conjunction with the Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges project) to detect odontocetes for vectoring a field tagging boat to groups in order to increase the likelihood of deploying satellite tags. The resulting data have allowed for an assessment of habitat use and range of several different species. Some of these boat-based tagging efforts were timed to occur just before Submarine Commanders Courses (SCCs) occurring on PMRF so that animal movements and diving behavior could be measured both before and during sonar use. PMRF PAM data and tag data were used in this initial analysis to estimate exposure levels for tagged animals and determine whether any large-scale movements of these animals may have occurred in response to MFAS exposure. We first assessed temporal and spatial overlap between the location data from satellite tags and available acoustic recordings and selected a subset of data for which there was sufficient overlap. The MFAS transmission times (determined directly using sounds received on the range hydrophones), ship positions at time of transmissions (provided by PMRF) and animal locations (determined from satellite tag positions) allowed estimation of the sound pressure levels the tagged animals were exposed to using the U.S. Navy's Personal Computer Interactive Multi-sensor Analysis Tool propagation model. Between February 2011 and February 2013, satellite-tag data were obtained from 23 individuals of four species of odontocetes: rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis, n = 8), common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus, n = 6), false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens, n = 3) and short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus, n = 6). Satellite tags were deployed on five different occasions during this period, with four of the five efforts timed to coincide with SCCs (February 2011, August 2011, February 2012, February 2013). The remaining field effort occurred prior to the July 2012 Rim of the Pacific exercise. Initial analysis of tag and PMRF data revealed temporal and general spatial overlap for eight individuals of three species: bottlenose dolphin, short-finned pilot whale, and rough-toothed dolphin. This initial exposure analysis was restricted to one bottlenose dolphin, one short-finned pilot whale, and two rough-toothed dolphins. Based on photo-identification and association analyses, all tagged individuals are known to be from populations generally resident to the islands of Kaua'i and Ni'ihau. Satellite tagged animals were exposed to estimated received levels of: 130 to 144 decibels for two rough-toothed dolphins, referenced to a pressure of 1 micropascal (dB re: 1?Pa) root mean square, hereafter dB; 149 to 168 dB for a bottlenose dolphin; and 141 to 162 dB for a short finned pilot whale. The bottlenose dolphin showed no large-scale movements out of the area during sonar exposures despite these relatively high predicted received levels, and the short-finned pilot whale actually moved towards areas of higher exposures during the third day of a 3 day period of regular MFAS use. There are a number of acknowledged limitations in terms of the modeling assumptions and the level of resolution on individual response relative to specific sonar transmissions. However, these results demonstrate that this novel integrated approach of using location data from satellite-tagged individuals and modeling to estimate received levels from acoustic recordings from the PMRF hydrophones is a viable and promising approach to examine both estimated exposure levels and potential large-scale movement reactions of tagged individuals. =============================================================================== Robin W. Baird, Ph.D. Research Biologist Cascadia Research Collective 218 1/2 W. 4th Avenue Olympia, WA 98501 USA Follow us on Facebook Cascadia on YouTube http://www.cascadiaresearch.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Dominic.McCafferty at glasgow.ac.uk Fri May 30 09:49:01 2014 From: Dominic.McCafferty at glasgow.ac.uk (Dominic McCafferty) Date: Fri, 30 May 2014 16:49:01 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Article for upload: Marine Mammal Biology: Summer Field-course in Scotland Message-ID: <948245D354468740B96F1AD687F9E8F01EFC8C@CMS09-01.campus.gla.ac.uk> Dear Marmam, Please can this notice be uploaded to the marmam list? Thanks, Dom Marine Mammal Field-course in Scotland This course will introduce you to the diversity, behaviour, ecology and conservation of seals, whales and dolphins. We focus on learning how to identify and record the behaviour of UK species and study how they are adapted to their aquatic existence. The course includes lectures, laboratory sessions and field work in the Firth of Clyde. The course is residential (full board ?650, 12-19 July 2014) and is based at the Field Studies Council Millport field station http://www.field-studies-council.org/centres/millport.aspx This course involves full time and independent students from four participating UK universities. Register via the Centre for Open Studies: http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/centreforopenstudies/ Course information: http://www.gla.ac.uk/media/media_205487_en.pdf For further enquiries please contact: Dr Dominic McCafferty dominic.mccafferty at glasgow.ac.uk Dr Dominic McCafferty Coordinator: MRes Ecology and Environmental Biology Thermal Ecology Group E-mail: dominic.mccafferty at glasgow.ac.uk Telephone: +44 (0)141 330 1803 Fax: +44 (0)141 330 5971 Graham Kerr Building Room 305 University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ Scotland International Marine Conservation Congress Glasgow 14-19 Aug 2014 http://www.conbio.org/mini-sites/imcc-2014 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kdudzinski at dolphincommunicationproject.org Fri May 30 11:48:19 2014 From: kdudzinski at dolphincommunicationproject.org (Kathleen M. Dudzinski) Date: Fri, 30 May 2014 14:48:19 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Aquatic Mammals Journal 40.2 is available online Message-ID: Dear MARMAM and ECS-talk subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The following titles represent the contents of the most recent issue (Volume 40, issue 2, 2014) of Aquatic Mammals. The online issue is now available. Volume 40 represents the 40th anniversary for Aquatic Mammals! For individuals with a print subscription, the joint hard copy of 40.1/40.2 will be mailed in late June. Aquatic Mammals is the longest running peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research on aquatic mammals and is published quarterly with manuscripts available as published PDFs in real time. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ Instructions for authors and formatting guidelines can be found in the first volume of each issue and at this link: http://tinyurl.com/AMauthorinstructions To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php If you subscribe to Aquatic Mammals online, you can visit the journal web site and sign in to download all articles from this volume: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ Please do not contact the listserve editors for PDFs or copies of the articles. To obtain a PDF, please subscribe to Aquatic Mammals http://tinyurl.com/AMsubscribe or contact the corresponding author for reprints. Links to a purchase page for each article are also included below. Please see list below for Volume 40, issue 2 contents. Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards, Kathleen Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals aquaticmammals at gmail.com ******************* Full Articles Kowarski, K.A., Augusto, J.F., Frasier, T.R., Whitehead, H. 2014. Effects of Remote Biopsy Sampling on Long-Finned Pilot Whales (Globicephala melas) in Nova Scotia. Aquatic Mammals40(2): 117-125. http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.40.2.2014.117 Cummings, E.W., Pabst, D.A., Blum, J.E., Barco, S.G., Davis, S.J., Thayer, V.G., et al. 2014. Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Habitat Use and Mortality of the Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) in the Mid-Atlantic States of North Carolina and Virginia from 1991 to 2012. Aquatic Mammals 40(2): 126-138. http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.40.2.2014.126 Guterres-Pazin, M.G., Marmontel, M., W. Rosas, F.C.W., Pazin, V.F.V., Venticinque, E.M. 2014. Feeding Ecology of the Amazonian Manatee (Trichechus inunguis) in the Mamirau? and Aman? Sustainable Development Reserves, Brazil. Aquatic Mammals 40(2): 139-149. http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.40.2.2014.139 Buzzell, B., Lance, M.M., Acevedo-Guti?rrez, A. 2014. Spatial and Temporal Variation in River Otter (Lontra canadensis) Diet and Predation on Rockfish (Genus Sebastes) in the San Juan Islands, Washington. Aquatic Mammals 40(2): 150-161. http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.40.2.2014.150 Clua, E.E., Manire, C.A., Garrigue, C. 2014. Biological Data of Pygmy Killer Whale (Feresa attenuata) from a Mass Stranding in New Caledonia (South Pacific) Associated with Hurricane Jim in 2006. Aquatic Mammals 40(2): 162-172. http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.40.2.2014.162 Tellechea, J.S., Bouvier, D., Cambon-Tait, D., Norbis, W. 2014.Passive Acoustic Monitoring of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) on the Uruguayan Coast: Vocal Characteristics and Seasonal Cycles. Aquatic Mammals 40(2): 173-184. http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.40.2.2014.173 Ueda, K., Izumisawa, Y., Miyahara, H. 2014. Surgical Treatment of Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus, Tursiops truncatus, Pseudorca crassidens, and Steno bredanensis) in an Aquarium. Aquatic Mammals 40(2): 185-190. http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.40.2.2014.185 Short Notes O?Brien, J., Baker, I., Barker, J., Berrow, S., Ryan, C., O?Connell, M., et al. 2014. Short Note: The First Confirmed Successful Refloat of a Stranded Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in Ireland and Subsequent Resighting with a Neonate. Aquatic Mammals 40(2): 191-194. http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.40.2.2014.191 Ghim, S., Joh, J., Mignucci-Giannoni, A.A., Rivera-Guzm?n, A.L., Falc?n-Matos, L., Alsina-Guerrero, M.M., et al. 2014. Short Note: Genital Papillomatosis Associated with Two Novel Mucosotropic Papillomaviruses from a Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris). Aquatic Mammals 40(2): 195-200. http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.40.2.2014.195 Balensiefer, D.C., Marcondes, M.C.C., Pretto, D.J., Cypriano-Souza, A.L., Luna, F.O. 2014. Short Note: Antarctic Minke Whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis, Burmeister, 1867) in the Tapaj?s River, Amazon Basin, Brazil. Aquatic Mammals 40(2): 201-206. http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.40.2.2014.201 St. Leger, J.A., Nilson, E.M. 2014. Short Note: Intestinal Atresia in a Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) and a Review of Congenital Conditions of the Species. Aquatic Mammals 40(2): 207-212.http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.40.2.2014.207 Connolly Sadou , M, Beltran, R.S., Reichmuth, C. 2014. Short Note: A Calibration Procedure for Measuring Pinniped Vibrissae Using Photogrammetry. Aquatic Mammals 40(2): 213-218.http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.40.2.2014.213 Letter to the Editor Sogorb, A. 2014. Letter to the Editor: The 42nd Annual EAAM Symposium 2014 ? Scientific Program. Aquatic Mammals 40(2): 219-221. http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.40.2.2014.219 Dezio, K. 2014. Letter to the Editor: 2014 Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums? Annual Meeting Draws Strong Attendance and Record Sponsorships; Focuses on International Advocacy and Ensuring a Strong Future for Public Display. Aquatic Mammals 40(2): 222-223. http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.40.2.2014.222 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ecm-parsons at earthlink.net Sat May 31 13:26:33 2014 From: ecm-parsons at earthlink.net (Chris Parsons) Date: Sat, 31 May 2014 16:26:33 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] International Marine Conservation Congress - 2nd call for abstracts ends Tuesday Message-ID: <008201cf7d0e$9d3823f0$d7a86bd0$@earthlink.net> As a reminder: the 2nd call for abstracts ends Tuesday 3rd June for the upcoming IMCC meeting in Scotland. There are numerous marine mammal conservation-related sessions at the meeting including on sustainable whale-watching, the impacts of noise, ethics and captive marine mammals, marine mammal oriented MPAs and impacts of climate change on marine mammals to name a few. Second Call for Abstracts for 3rd International Marine Conservation Congress The 3rd International Marine Conservation Congress will be held from 14-18 August 2014 at the Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre, Glasgow, Scotland, UK Due to more meeting space becoming available, IMCC 2014 is holding a second Call for Abstracts for oral (spoken), speed (short spoken), and poster presentations, Late-Breaking News & Headlines, in our effort to showcase the most up-to-date marine conservation science, policy and communications. If you have news or results that broke after the Call for Abstracts closed or you just missed the first call, you may still be able to present at IMCC in August! Your second opportunity to submit abstracts is open. The IMCC3 Second Call for Abstracts will end 3 June 2014. After reviewing so many impressive proposals and abstracts, and receiving requests from SCB members, we've also added more themes and topics to be featured at IMCC3 including the impacts of marine renewable energy and oil spills and marine life, and emerging diseases For a complete list of themes, please visit: http://www.conbio.org/mini-sites/imcc-2014/about-the-meeting/congress-theme. For the complete second Call for Abstracts and instructions for submitting, please visit: http://www.conbio.org/mini-sites/imcc-2014/registration-participation/call-f or-late-breaking-abstracts. Remember, regular registration has been extended to 30 June 2014. Register now to take advantage of these rates before they increase for late registration! Registration: http://www.conbio.org/mini-sites/imcc-2014/registration-participation/meetin g-registration -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: