From Hal.Whitehead at Dal.Ca Sat Sep 1 05:12:00 2018 From: Hal.Whitehead at Dal.Ca (Hal Whitehead) Date: Sat, 1 Sep 2018 12:12:00 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Consequences of culturally-driven ecological specialization: Killer whales and beyond Message-ID: The following paper has just been published: Consequences of culturally-driven ecological specialization: Killer whales and beyond. by: Hal Whitehead and John K.B. Ford Journal of Theoretical Biology 456: 279-294 Abstract: Culturally-transmitted ecological specialization occurs in killer whales, as well as other species. We hypothesize that some of the remarkable demographic and ecological attributes of killer whales result from this process. We formalize and model (using agent-based stochastic models parametrized using killer whale life history) the cultural evolution of specialization by social groups, in which a narrowing of niche breadth is spread and maintained in a group through social learning. We compare the demographic and ecological results of cultural specialization to those of a similar model of specialization through natural selection. We found that specialization, through either the cultural or natural selection routes, is adaptive in the short term with specialization often increasing fitness. Generalization, in contrast, is rarely adaptive. The cultural evolution of specialization can lead to increased rates of group extirpation. Specialization has little effect on group size but tends to reduce population size and resource abundance. While the two specialization processes produce similar results, cultural specialization can be very much faster. The results are generally consistent with what we know of the formation and maintenance of specialist ecotypes in killer whales, and have implications for the persistence, nature and ecological effects of these apex predators. You can read a .pdf at: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/labpub.htm Hal Whitehead Dalhousie University hwhitehe at dal.ca From nikki.zanardo at flinders.edu.au Mon Sep 3 17:25:52 2018 From: nikki.zanardo at flinders.edu.au (Nikki Zanardo) Date: Tue, 4 Sep 2018 00:25:52 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: Social cohesion and intra-population community structure in southern Australian bottlenose dolphins Message-ID: Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of a new paper: Zanardo N, Parra GJ, Diaz-Aguirre F, Pratt EAL, Moller LM (2018) Social cohesion and intra-population community structure in southern Australian bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 72:156 Abstract: Defining intra-population community variation in group living mammals provides insights about the impact of environmental, social, and anthropogenic factors on population sub-structuring. Here, we use generalized affiliation indices (GAIs) and social network analysis to investigate social cohesion and intra-population community structure of southern Australian bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) inhabiting Adelaide?s metropolitan coast in South Australia. Information on the sex and site fidelity of photographically identified individuals was used to investigate the potential link between these parameters and preferred affiliations at the population level. Genetic data was also used to investigate genetic relatedness within and between sex and communities. Overall, dolphins showed non-random associations, with preferred associates prominent amongst females and resident individuals. Dolphins were clustered into two social communities that showed little spatial overlap and were associated with different habitats; a northern, shallow-water community (NSWC), and a southern, deep-water community (SDWC). As expected, preferred associations were more prevalent within than between communities, and analyses of genetic relatedness indicated that dolphins, particularly females, were on average more related within than between communities. Social network metrics varied between communities, with the temporal stability of associations for both communities characterised by rapid disassociations and casual acquaintances. We suggest that these two dolphin communities likely arose due to a combination of ecological and socio-genetic factors. This study enhances our understanding of factors shaping social groups in long-lived mammals, and our ability to manage human activities that can impact upon their behaviour and social structure. This paper is available for viewing from Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology https://rdcu.be/5ukn, or if you would like a PDF, please send a request to nikki.zanardo at flinders.edu.au Regards, Nikki Zanardo PhD Candidate Cetacean, Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab & Molecular Ecology Lab College of Science & Engineering Flinders University ? Tel +61 8 8201 2357 | ? nikki.zanardo at flinders.edu.au ? www.cebel.org.au | ? www.molecularecology.flinders.edu.au My Page: http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/nikki.zanardo [1459917565608_fb.gif] [1459917620902_tw.gif] [1459917625281_rg.png] -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Outlook-1459917565.gif Type: image/gif Size: 1336 bytes Desc: Outlook-1459917565.gif URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Outlook-1459917620.gif Type: image/gif Size: 1370 bytes Desc: Outlook-1459917620.gif URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Outlook-1459917625.png Type: image/png Size: 3110 bytes Desc: Outlook-1459917625.png URL: From lthompson at mysticaquarium.org Tue Sep 4 07:47:51 2018 From: lthompson at mysticaquarium.org (Thompson, Laura) Date: Tue, 4 Sep 2018 14:47:51 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Announcing 2019 Beluga Workshop at Mystic Aquarium, Mystic CT Message-ID: <6FF75ECF34BC864BAC9CD230D1DFFCAD02EC04A8D1@EX2010.searesearch.local> Dear Marmam, We are excited to announce the 2nd International Workshop on Beluga Whale Research and Conservation, hosted by Mystic Aquarium. See below for more details! Save the Date: 2nd International Workshop on Beluga Whale Research & Conservation at Mystic Aquarium | View in browser [https://media.wordfly.com/mysticaquarium/emails/ravs-beluga-conf-19-std/save-the-date.png] You're invited! [2nd International Workshop on Beluga Whale Research & Conservation] March 12 - 14, 2019 Hosted by Mystic Aquarium 55 Coogan Boulevard Mystic, Connecticut, USA Learn More & Register Submit Abstracts Join us to connect, communicate and collaborate as we share traditional knowledge and explore advances in aquarium husbandry, field biology and the latest science impacting beluga whales. By sharing our expertise and establishing new collaborations, we hope to better inform conservation and management decisions of belugas in both aquarium and wild settings. Questions? Email BelugaConf at MysticAquarium.org [facebook] [twitter] [instagram] [youtube] [pinterest] [snapchat] Unsubscribe | Forward | View in browser You are receiving this email because you have shown interest in attending the 2nd International Workshop on Beluga Whale Research & Conservation conference in 2019. If you would like to be removed from this list, please click the Unsubscribe link above. Mystic Aquarium is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through conservation, education and research. MYSTIC AQUARIUM 55 Coogan Blvd | Mystic, CT 06355 | 860.572.5955 [https://media.wordfly.com/mysticaquarium/emails/event-starter/ma-white-nopro.png] Laura Thompson, PhD Research Fellow Mystic Aquarium 860.572.5955 x155 [MA_Web] -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 12528 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From solveig.enoksen at nammco.no Sun Sep 2 23:51:50 2018 From: solveig.enoksen at nammco.no (Solveig Enoksen) Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2018 06:51:50 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] NAMMCO Scientific Publications Volume 10 Message-ID: NAMMCO (North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission) is happy to announce that the NAMMCO Scientific Publications Volume 10: Age estimation of marine mammals with a focus on monodontids, is now completed and available online, open-access, at https://doi.org/10.7557/3.10. This volume was edited by Christina Lockyer, Aleta Hohn, Roderick Hobbs, Robert EA Stewart and Mario Acquarone, and Jill Prewitt was the series editor. 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. Two additional volumes are currently in the making, and papers for these volumes will be published consecutively as they are finished. For previous volumes, go to the "Archives" section of the journal website. Volumes 1-9 are also available in hard copy format. For more information on the NAMMCO Scientific Publications series, or to order a hard copy of the available volumes, please contact the NAMMCO Secretariat at nammco-sec at nammco.no. Best, Solveig Enoksen Intern NAMMCO - North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission POB 6453, N-9294 Troms?, Norway +47 77 68 73 71, solveig.enoksen at nammco.no, www.nammco.no, www.facebook.com/nammco.no/ [NammRGB email] -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 1989 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: From anzscsmm at gmail.com Wed Sep 5 17:22:57 2018 From: anzscsmm at gmail.com (ANZSCSMM ANZSCSMM) Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2018 10:22:57 +1000 Subject: [MARMAM] SMM Australia/New Zealand Student Chapter Conference Message-ID: Dear ANZSCSMM members, We are delighted to announce the fourth ANZ Student Chapter Meeting of the Society of Marine Mammalogy. The conference will take place from *November 28th ? 30th, 2018*, at *Griffith University (Brisbane, QLD)*. The first day will consist of a free half-day R workshop, which will be suitable for all levels of R users and will provide a chance to ask questions specific to participants? own data. This will be followed by two days of guest speakers, student presentations, and networking opportunities. Our last conference was a great success and students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to share their research, improve their presentation skills, and to network with fellow peers and professionals in the marine mammal field. We would like to invite all university students (undergraduates to postdocs) from Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, and Southeast Asia to join us in Queensland, and encourage attendees to give an oral presentation (15min) or to present a poster about their current work on marine mammals. To facilitate logistical planning and the allocation of funds for the event, we request all students wanting to participate to express their interest by: - Sending an e-mail to anzscsmm at gmail.com with the subject ?ANZSCSMM Meeting?, your name, affiliation, the state/country you?ll be travelling from, and any dietary requirements; - Or, if you haven?t already done so, by completing the membership form on the chapter's website (ANZSCSMM ) and returning it with the information requested above (NOTE: membership to the chapter is free!). Participants wishing to present must also *submit an abstract* (max. 300 words) *by October 31st, 2018*. Please return them to the aforementioned email address. Presenters from outside of Brisbane will be eligible for a *travel grant* but must indicate their desire to be considered when submitting their abstract. Participation in the meeting is free for all ANZSCSMM members. All meals will be covered for the meeting and further funds are being sought for the provision of accommodation for all attendees from outside of Brisbane. Additional details will be available shortly. If you have any questions, please don?t hesitate to ask! Looking forward to meeting you all, *ANZ Student Chapter Heads* *Kate Indeck and Dana Cusano* The Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratory, University of Queensland *Jasmin Gross *Southern Ocean Persistent Organic Pollutants Program, Griffith University -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ashley at edgewiseenvironmental.com Wed Sep 5 06:34:06 2018 From: ashley at edgewiseenvironmental.com (Ashley Noseworthy) Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2018 11:04:06 -0230 Subject: [MARMAM] EDGEWISE Environmental Courses (October) Message-ID: EDGEWISE Environmental is delivering Canadian-MMO, Seabird Observer and PAM Operator courses in October. Space is limited but a few seats still remain. All courses include an at-sea practical. Payment plans available. Please email courses at edgewiseenvironmental.com or visit www.edgewiseenvironmental.com for more details. -- -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From clementchion at gmail.com Tue Sep 4 08:13:58 2018 From: clementchion at gmail.com (=?UTF-8?Q?Cl=C3=A9ment_Chion?=) Date: Tue, 4 Sep 2018 11:13:58 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] INDIVIDUAL-BASED MODEL OF BELUGA WHALES (ST. LAWRENCE ESTUARY) - POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP Message-ID: Hi, We are recruiting a postdoctoral fellow to develop an individual-based model of the endangered St. Lawrence beluga population. The project is part of a broader research program aimed at proposing effective solutions to mitigate the impacts of navigation on belugas in the St. Lawrence Estuary (ongoing management process). The full announcement is below. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO FORWARD THIS ANNOUNCEMENT TO YOUR COLLEAGUES AND CIRCULATE IN YOUR NETWORKS! Thanks and have a nice day! Cl?ment Cl?ment Chion , PhD Professeur-Chercheur / Research Professor D?partement des sciences naturelles Universit? du Qu?bec en Outaouais (UQO) ISFORT 819-595-3900 poste: 1858 819-503-2539 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP OFFER* Department of Natural Sciences ? Universit? du Qu?bec en Outaouais (UQO) Project title Spatiotemporal Individual-Based Modelling of the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga Population Project background and objectives St. Lawrence Estuary beluga population is currently listed as endangered under the Species at Risk Act of Canada. It is also listed as threatened under the Quebec Act Respecting Threatened or Vulnerable Species. Several threats related to navigation activities in the beluga?s critical habitat limit its recovery, including disturbance and exposure to boats? underwater noise. Mitigating such navigation impacts requires tools to evaluate the performance of potential measures before taking action. The postdoc fellow?s project is part of a broader research program that aims at building a multiagent simulator of boat and whale movements in both the Saguenay and St. Lawrence Rivers to assess the effectiveness of potential mitigation options. The broader goal of the research program is to support a collaborative process to enhance the protection of the at-risk St. Lawrence Estuary beluga population in its critical summer habitat. The postdoc fellow?s project aims at building calibrated algorithms that accurately simulate belugas? individual movements by reproducing data-extracted statistical patterns. Several concurrent hypotheses currently exist regarding beluga movements, social dynamics, and responses to the presence of boats in their critical habitat. These hypotheses will be made explicit by the selected candidate. The related uncertainties will be translated into the proposition of concurrent movement algorithms. Statistical patterns will need to be identified at different scales (individual, group and population) and extracted from several datasets provided by collaborators. These patterns will allow to calibrate the movements algorithms and assess their performance using the Pattern-Oriented Modelling approach. Based on a literature review, the selected candidate will propose a series of beluga-specific indicators of navigation impacts (e.g. masking/communication space, disturbance, collision risks). These indicators will be used to assess the performance of mitigation scenarios using the final simulator that will couple a valid beluga IBM with an existing model of boat movements. The development of beluga?s movement algorithms will be based on behavioral ecology theories and developed in collaboration with researchers who have been studying belugas since the early 80?s. Although this modelling project does not require any data collection in the field, the selected candidate will work in close collaboration with researchers from Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM), Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Saguenay?St. Lawrence Marine Park, and will have the opportunity to take part in their field campaign. The desired candidate will show dynamism, motivation, intellectual curiosity and creativity, ability to work independently and as part of a team, along with a great sense of initiative. He/She will be encouraged and supported to travel for scientific communications (conferences, workshops), meetings with partners and stakeholders. The project funding is provided by the Government of Quebec. The selected candidate will be required to participate in the production of deliverables for the Ministry for Forests, Wildlife, and Parks and Ministry for Maritime Affairs on a yearly basis. Skills ? PhD in Natural Sciences, Engineering, or any discipline relevant for the project ? Proficiency in individual-based modelling ? Java programming or proficiency in another object-oriented programming language ? Preparing scholarship and grant applications ? Proficiency in scientific communication (written and oral) to experts and laypeople, including writing scientific articles and conducting literature reviews Assets ? Knowledge in behavioural ecology especially social mammals ? Knowledge in underwater acoustics and/or bioacoustics ? Knowledge in GIS, Spatial analysis and spatial statistics ? Other technical skills: R, Python, QGIS and Repast Simphony Remuneration ? 47k$/year (including UQO?s social benefits) Period ? From now to March 31st2020 (with possibility of extension) Location ? Ripon or Gatineau (Qu?bec, Canada) Application ? Email your academic CV (long form), application letter (detailing your skills and assets related to the project requirements), and the name and contact information of 3 academic references to: o Pr. Cl?ment Chion (clementchion at gmail.com; clement.chion at uqo.ca) o Pr. Ang?lique Dupuch (angelique.dupuch at uqo.ca) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From cmkonrad at Dal.Ca Thu Sep 6 10:03:32 2018 From: cmkonrad at Dal.Ca (Christine Konrad) Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2018 17:03:32 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New Publication: Kinship influences sperm whale social organization Message-ID: The following paper has just been published: Kinship influences sperm whale social organization within, but generally not among, social units by: Christine M. Konrad, Shane Gero, Timothy Frasier, Hal Whitehead Royal Society Open Science 5: 180914 Abstract: Sperm whales have a multi-level social structure based upon long-term, cooperative social units. What role kinship plays in structuring this society is poorly understood. We combined extensive association data (518 days, during 2005?2016) and genetic data (18 microsatellites and 346 bp mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences) for 65 individuals from 12 social units from the Eastern Caribbean to examine patterns of kinship and social behaviour. Social units were clearly matrilineally based, evidenced by greater relatedness within social units (mean r = 0.14) than between them (mean r = 0.00) and uniform mtDNA haplotypes within social units. Additionally, most individuals (82.5%) had a first-degree relative in their social unit, while we found no first-degree relatives between social units. Generally and within social units, individuals associated more with their closer relatives (matrix correlations: 0.18?0.25). However, excepting a highly related pair of social units that merged over the study period, associations between social units were not correlated with kinship (p > 0.1). These results are the first to robustly demonstrate kinship's contribution to social unit composition and association preferences, though they also reveal variability in association preferences that is unexplained by kinship. Comparisons with other matrilineal species highlight the range of possible matrilineal societies and how they can vary between and even within species. DOI: 10.1098/rsos.180914 You can download a pdf at: http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/5/8/180914 Christine Konrad Dalhousie University cmko.... at dal.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From d.nachtsheim at outlook.de Tue Sep 4 09:45:36 2018 From: d.nachtsheim at outlook.de (Dominik Nachtsheim) Date: Tue, 4 Sep 2018 16:45:36 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: Bio-telemetry as an essential tool in movement ecology and marine conservation Message-ID: Dear MARMAM readers, my colleague and I are happy to announce the following new publication, published as a book chapter with Springer: Heylen, B. C., & Nachtsheim, D. A. (2018). Bio-telemetry as an Essential Tool in Movement Ecology and Marine Conservation. In YOUMARES 8?Oceans Across Boundaries: Learning from each other (pp. 83-107). Springer, Cham. Abstract Marine top predators represent an essential part of marine ecosystems. They are generally regarded as ?sentinels of the sea? since their presence reflects high biological productivity. However, many populations are experiencing dramatic declines attributed to various human-induced threats (e.g., pollution, climate change, overfishing), highlighting the need for effective conservation. In this review, we show that bio-telemetry can be an essential tool, not only to improve knowledge about the animals? ecology, but also for conservation purposes. As such, we will first discuss the most important state-of-the-art devices (e.g., time-depth recorders, accelerometers, satellite tags) and illustrate how they can improve our understanding of movement ecology. We will then examine the challenges and ethical issues related to bio-telemetry, and lastly, demonstrate its enormous value in resolving present and future conservation issues. This review has been published by Springer along with the proceedings of an international conference for young marine researchers (YOUMARES), which took place last year in Kiel, Germany. All session hosts were asked to contribute a review on a relevant topic within the range of their session's subject. Following our research interests and own field experiences we focussed on bio-telemetry and demonstrated its usefulness for studying movement ecology and advancing top predator (marine mammals, seabirds, elasmobranchs and large teleosts) conservation. The chapter as well as the whole book are available Open Access here: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-93284-2_7 For any inquiries or requests do not hesitate to contact me at: dominik.nachtsheim at tiho-hannover.de. Best regards, Dominik Nachtsheim & Brigitte Heylen --- Dominik A. Nachtsheim, M.Sc. University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW) Werftstr. 6 25761 B?sum Germany Dominik.Nachtsheim at tiho-hannover.de Tel: +49 511 856-8159 Fax: +49 511 856-8181 ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dominik_Nachtsheim -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From emm265 at cornell.edu Tue Sep 4 11:09:23 2018 From: emm265 at cornell.edu (Elizabeth McDonald) Date: Tue, 4 Sep 2018 14:09:23 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Job Opportunity: Marine Mammal Bioacoustics Message-ID: On behalf of Dr. Helen Bailey at the University of Maryland Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, we would like to share the following job opportunity: The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES), Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (CBL), is accepting applications for a Faculty Research Assistant to assist with a bioacoustics project to study the response of black sea bass to dolphin calls. Duties will include preparation of acoustic equipment and set-up of experiments, playbacks of dolphin calls and other sounds, and processing and analysis of calibrated noise measurements. Applicants should have experience with sound measurements, sound analysis software, and statistical software packages, such as R. Experience with marine mammal and/or fish bioacoustics is also desirable. Minimum requirement is a M.S. degree or B.S. degree with more than 2 years research experience related to bioacoustics, must be a U.S. citizen and able to pass a background check. For more details about the position, please contact Dr. Helen Bailey (hbailey at umces.edu). Application information is available at: https://umces.peopleadmin.com/postings/1172 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From K.Sprogis at murdoch.edu.au Tue Sep 4 20:04:02 2018 From: K.Sprogis at murdoch.edu.au (Kate Sprogis) Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2018 03:04:02 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper: Shark predation attempts on bottlenose dolphins in temperate Australian waters. Message-ID: <8B7FD5A7-C0ED-426B-B74B-B751850DF50D@murdoch.edu.au> Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper: Sprogis KR, King C, Bejder L, Loneragan N (2018) Frequency and temporal trends of shark predation attempts on bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in temperate Australian waters. J Exp Mar Biol Ecol. 508, 35-43, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2018.08.008 Summary: * Sharks are apex predators that influence the behavioural ecology of a range of prey species. Unsuccessful predation attempts from sharks are evidenced by fresh bites and scars, and these wounds provide indirect measures of predation pressure. * To better understand the predatory dynamics of sharks on bottlenose dolphins, we investigated the frequency, sex and age class differences, seasonality and annual trends, and location (open vs. sheltered waters) of shark predation attempts on Tursiops aduncus off Bunbury, south-western Australia. * Over seven years from 2007-2013, standardised boat-based, photographic-identification dolphin surveys (n = 600) were conducted year- round over 540 km2 in open coastal and sheltered waters (bay, estuary and river). ? The overall frequency of shark predation attempts on dolphins (calves, juveniles and adults) was 16.9% (58 of 343). Shark bites were categorised as Open (n = 25, 40.9%), Intermediate (n = 16, 26.2%) and Scars (n = 20, 32.8%). Scarring frequencies did not differ significantly between sexes or among age classes. ? Bites increased in frequency from 2009 to 2013, coinciding with sustained warm water temperatures from 2011 La Ni?a conditions, resulting in 34% of Open and Intermediate bites being recorded in 2013. The frequency of Open bites differed among seasons, with bites more prevalent during the summer of 2012/13. The proportion of dolphins with shark bites was significantly greater for individuals residing in the sheltered waters (24.7%, 19 of 77) compared to open waters (13.4%, 34 of 253). ? Our findings provide knowledge into predator-prey dynamics of marine top predators by quantifying temporal and spatial incidences of failed predation attempts of sharks on bottlenose dolphins in temperate, south-west Australia. This paper is available for free download from JEMBE, or a PDF can be provided via email request: k.sprogis at murdoch.edu.au For more information on the Bunbury dolphin population see: http://mucru.org/our-research/south-west-marine-research-program/ and our publication blog: http://mucru.org/new-publication-shark-predation-attempts-on-bottlenose-dolphins-in-southwest-australia/ Kind regards, on behalf of my co-authors, Kate Sprogis, PhD Marie Sk?odowska-Curie Post-doctoral Fellow Marine Bioacoustics Lab, Dept. of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Denmark kate.sprogis at bios.au.dk | Kate Sprogis Photography Twitter, Instagram: @KateSprogis [cid:image001.jpg at 01D44455.EDEFC650] Recent papers: - Sprogis, K.R., Christiansen F., Raudino, H. C., Kobryn, H., Wells, R. S. and Bejder, L. 2018. Sex-specific differences in the seasonal habitat use of a coastal dolphin population. Biodiversity and Conservation, doi: 10.1007/s10531-018-1618-7 - Sprogis K.R., Christiansen F., Wandres M., Bejder L. 2018. El Ni?o Southern Oscillation influences the abundance and movements of a marine top predator in coastal waters. Global Change Biology, doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.13892 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 5397 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: From laura.ceyrac at hotmail.fr Tue Sep 4 22:49:34 2018 From: laura.ceyrac at hotmail.fr (laura ceyrac) Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2018 05:49:34 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] =?iso-8859-1?q?New_publication=3A_Using_passive_acoustic?= =?iso-8859-1?q?_monitoring_to_assess_humpback_whale_occurrence_and_breedi?= =?iso-8859-1?q?ng_activity_around_La_R=E9union_Island_=28Laura_Ceyrac=29?= Message-ID: Dear MARMAM members, My co-authors and I are pleased to annonce the publication of our new manuscript " Using passive acoustic monitoring to assess humpback whale occurrence and breeding activity around La R?union Island" in the Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science. Ceyrac L., Barreau E, Modi A., Estrade V. & Dulau V. (2018). Using passive acoustic monitoring to assess humpback whale occurence and breeding activity around La R?union Island. Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science. Special Issue 1/ 2018 65-73. Abstract: Humpback whales use the coastal waters of La R?union Island seasonally from June to October. Their distribution is relatively well-known on the west coast, which provides suitable breeding habitat, however little is known about their use and movement along the south and east coast of the island. Three autonomous acoustic recorders were deployed during the breeding season of 2016 off the west, south and east coasts to investigate spatial and temporal variations in humpback whale occurrence around the island. The dataset consisted of 10 minute acoustic recordings every hour, continuously from mid-June to early September from these three locations. Song and social call events were discriminated and their total durations were calculated and expressed as a percentage of the total recording duration per day. Off the west and south coast, social calls were distributed fairly homogenously over the season, while songs occurred over a shorter time period, with two significant peaks observed in mid-July and early-August. Off the east coast very few vocalizations were detected. These results demonstrated that humpback whales preferentially use the west coast of the island for breeding. In this area, daily variations in singing activity were observed. Singers appeared to be more active at night and during the morning, when less boat traffic was detected. Feel free to get in touch with me at laura.ceyrac at globice.org if you would like a PDF copy of the full text. Many thanks, Laura Ceyrac GLOBICE R?union 30 chemin Parc Cabris Grand Bois 97410 Saint Pierre Ile de la R?union laura.ceyrac at globice.org * -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mandy.shoemaker at navy.mil Wed Sep 5 15:16:00 2018 From: mandy.shoemaker at navy.mil (Shoemaker, Mandy L CIV NAVFAC EXWC, EV31) Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2018 22:16:00 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] U.S. Navy Living Marine Resource Program Need Topics - call for pre-proposals Message-ID: <5B7C928F3D16924A9E12E47C4B7A8809F168E393@NAWEMUGUXM04V.nadsuswe.nads.navy.mil> The U.S. Navy Living Marine Resources (LMR) applied research program is seeking pre-proposals in six topic areas related to underwater sound produced by human activities and its effects on marine life. Topics include: 1) improving duration of medium-term telemetry tag attachment, 2) demonstration and validation of PAM-based density estimation methods using visually verified survey data, 3) investigation of the effects of cue rate and cue stability on PAM-based density estimation methods, 4) demonstration and validation of passive acoustic monitoring sparse arrays to estimate density of low-frequency whales over large spatial areas, 5) identifying monitoring priorities for studying the population consequences of disturbance on marine mammals, and 6) turtle temporary threshold shift feasibility study. Details regarding the need topics mentioned above, as well as the associated Appendices, can be found within the BAA (Solicitation # N3943018S2086) at www.neco.navy.mil, www.fbo.gov, or at http://navysustainability.dodlive.mil/environment/lmrproposals/. There is no specific format required for the pre-proposal, however, the information required in the pre-proposal is outlined in Appendix A -2018 Proposal Submission and Evaluation Guide. The pre-proposal should be consolidated into one single file and should not exceed 10 pages in length. All pre-proposals should be submitted via email to exwc_lmr_program at navy.mil. Pre-proposals pertaining to these need topics will be accepted until 11:59 PM PST on 22 October 2018. If invited, offerors will be asked to submit a full proposal. Anu Kumar Program Manager Living Marine Resources Program Mandy Shoemaker Deputy Program Manager Living Marine Resources Program -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: smime.p7s Type: application/pkcs7-signature Size: 5371 bytes Desc: not available URL: From n.robinson at seiche.com Thu Sep 6 00:52:50 2018 From: n.robinson at seiche.com (Nick Robinson) Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2018 07:52:50 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Seiche Environmental Project Manager(s): In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: In order to support Seiche Environmental Limited?s growth strategy and the delivery of expanding portfolio of services, opportunities have become available for the position(s) of Project Manager. Project Manager(s) will be accountable for managing current and new offshore marine environmental projects for Seiche Environmental, from inception, through operations to the delivery of a high-quality end product. Seiche Environmental projects will all involve and require an excellent knowledge and understanding of Marine Mammal Observations (MMO) and survey techniques, Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) and Underwater Acoustics. These roles will ???also involve ensuring that the technical, financial, contractual, quality, HSE and other obligations are met in accordance with both company and client standards. In addition, candidate(s) will have responsibility for the marketing and growth of the company through the development of a comprehensive client-base at conferences, meetings and the promotion of Seiche?s environmental services. The successful candidate(s) will need to demonstrate the ability to liaise and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders and clients. This will include client visits and presentations, as well as the assessment, preparation and submissions of tenders and the subsequent follow up actions. We are looking for a proven ability to build strong face to face relationships, can negotiate effectively, manage conflict for positive outcomes and be a proactive and confident ambassador for supporting the company?s growth agenda. Previous relevant marine oil and gas or renewable energy industry experience is advantageous. These are office-based position(s) in Seiche?s Norwich or Devon office. Travel between the various company sites is to be expected and there may be the requirement to undertake occasional travel around the world. As well as a competitive salary, that reflects experience and qualifications these roles will also offer annual holidays of 25 working days, plus UK Bank Holidays and a company pension contribution of 5% of gross salary. If you believe you have the experience and skills for this role, please e-mail your CV and covering letter to k.holder at seiche.com. Closing date: Noon on Friday, 14th September, 2018. Nick Robinson Business Manager Seiche Environmental Ltd Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom T: +44(0)1409 404050 M: +44(0)7590 844363 ?Registered in England & Wales No. 10612696, Registered Office: The Custom House, The Strand, Barnstaple, Devon The information contained in this e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it, is privileged and confidential, and solely intended for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient you should not read, copy, distribute or otherwise use the information, and you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify sender immediately and delete this e-mail and attached documents. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image093233.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 121642 bytes Desc: image093233.jpg URL: From Shelby.Beard at MyFWC.com Thu Sep 6 06:10:53 2018 From: Shelby.Beard at MyFWC.com (Beard, Shelby) Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2018 13:10:53 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] FWC manatee internship availability Message-ID: The Southeast manatee field station is currently seeking a candidate for the Winter 2019 internship! Application deadline is Sunday, September 23rd. Interns will assist with manatee rescue, carcass salvage, and research in South Florida. The Southeast Field lab is offering one internship: a 6 month term for the winter 2019 session. The expected start date for the Winter 2019 internship will be around January 2nd, 2019. Start and end dates will be flexible. Working hours are typically five days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some nights and weekends required. The position is located in Tequesta (east coast of Florida, just north of Palm Beach). The intern's duties include assisting with manatee rescue, carcass salvage, and research in South Florida. Interns will assist with manatee and cetacean field necropsies, temperature monitoring research, and conduct manatee photo ID. Interns will also complete mortality and rescue reports and assist with other office and public outreach work as needed. To perform the duties of the position, interns will operate trucks, trailers, and boats up to 22' in length. The intern is required to complete a project and present a 10-15 minute presentation at the end of their internship. Qualifications: Junior or senior college students and recent graduates are eligible. Applicants should have some research field experience; be able to drive large trucks; be computer literate; be comfortable speaking to the public; and be proficient in the use of digital cameras, telephoto lenses, and filters. Previous animal-handling experience is desirable. Ability to trailer flatbeds and boats, as well as operate watercraft up to 22' in length is desirable. Interns must possess a valid driver's license, be able to lift 50 pounds, and be able to swim. Applicants should understand that this internship will require them to be wet, dirty, and outdoors in all weather conditions. This position is unpaid and housing is not provided. Interns must provide their own transportation to and from the field station. If you are interested in applying for an internship with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the following information is required: * A cover letter describing area(s) of interest and the dates, days, and hours of availability * A r?sum? describing training and experience * A list of three references * An unofficial copy of your academic transcript Please send these items as e-mail attachments to: Interns at MyFWC.com Or mail hard copies to: Internship Coordinator Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 Eighth Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020 http://myfwc.com/research/manatee/research/internships-volunteers/se-fl-intern/ Shelby Beard Biological Scientist Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Marine Mammal Section 19100 SE Federal Highway, Tequesta, FL 33469 Wildlife Alert Hotline: 1-888-404-3922 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Stephen_Trumble at baylor.edu Tue Sep 4 11:25:59 2018 From: Stephen_Trumble at baylor.edu (Trumble, Stephen) Date: Tue, 4 Sep 2018 18:25:59 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Job announcement; tenure-track comparative vertebrate physiologist Message-ID: Please post for the following tenure-track position; Assistant Professor in Comparative Mammalian Physiology Baylor University Baylor University is a private Christian university and a nationally ranked research institution, consistently listed with highest honors among The Chronicle of Higher Education's "Great Colleges to Work For." The University is recruiting new faculty with a deep commitment to excellence in teaching, research and scholarship. Baylor seeks faculty who share in our aspiration to become a tier one research institution while strengthening our distinctive Christian mission as described in our strategic vision, Pro Futuris (www.baylor.edu/profuturis/), and academic strategic plan, Illuminate (www.baylor.edu/illuminate). As the world's largest Baptist University, Baylor offers over 40 doctoral programs and has more than 17,000 students from all 50 states and more than 85 countries. Baylor seeks to fill the following tenure-track faculty position within the Department of Biology: Assistant Professor in Comparative Mammalian Physiology The Department of Biology in the College of Arts & Sciences (www.baylor.edu/artsandsciences/) seeks applications to fill a tenure-track faculty position (Assistant Professor) in the area of comparative mammalian physiology. We are specifically seeking a candidate whose research is relevant to human disease and health with training in vertebrate physiology including (but not limited to) integrative physiology, metabolic physiology, environmental physiology, endocrinology or stress physiology. Successful candidates will show a strong record of innovative and integrative research or future potential and will be expected to establish a competitive and externally funded research program that contributes to broader departmental goals as well as emerging and existing university-wide initiatives in Global Health. Further, this candidate will contribute to service and leadership within the department, the university, and the scientific community. The Department of Biology has 20 graduate faculty and is in a period of expansion with three concurrent tenure-track searches underway. Our graduate programs in the areas of 1) Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal (EEO) Biology, and 2) Cell, Molecular, Health and Disease (CMHD) Biology are growing rapidly. This comparative mammalian physiology position is a position critical to the ongoing research success of both our EEOB and our CMHD faculty members in Biology as well as various other departments. To ensure full consideration, complete applications must be submitted by 11/01/2018. Candidates should possess an earned doctorate in the appropriate field of study. Salary and rank is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Applications will be reviewed beginning 10/1/2018 and will be accepted until the position is filled. Visit https://jobs.baylor.edu/ for more details about this position or contact the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Stephen Trumble, at Mammalian_Physiology at baylor.edu. To apply, please electronically submit a letter of application, a 1-2 page research plan, a 1-2 page teaching philosophy, a current curriculum vitae, transcripts, and the names and email addresses of three persons willing to provide letters of recommendation as a single PDF file through the iApply application system at our Human Resources site: https://jobs.baylor.edu/. Finalists for this position will be required to submit official transcripts for the doctoral degree in advance of a campus visit. Baylor University is a private not-for-profit university affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, Baylor is committed to compliance with all applicable anti-discrimination laws, including those regarding age, race, color, sex, national origin, marital status, pregnancy status, military service, genetic information, and disability. As a religious educational institution, Baylor is lawfully permitted to consider an applicant's religion as a selection criterion. Baylor encourages women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply. Stephen J. Trumble, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Biology Baylor University Affiliate Professor Institute of Marine Science University of Alaska, Fairbanks Phone: 254-710-2128 Fax: 254-710-2969 E-mail: Stephen_Trumble at baylor.edu LEAP: http://sites.baylor.edu/trumblelab/ [cid:D8384ADC-CFFC-42AA-A6F4-ACA2FC35F03B] -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 12897 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From simo_liste at tiscali.it Wed Sep 5 11:09:10 2018 From: simo_liste at tiscali.it (simo_liste at tiscali.it) Date: Wed, 05 Sep 2018 20:09:10 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] FALKLAND ISLANDS - MARINE MEGAFAUNA - FIELD HELPERS WANTED Message-ID: FALKLAND ISLANDS - MARINE MEGAFAUNA - FIELD HELPERS WANTED ------------------------------------ PROJECT: Long term study of MARINE MEGAFAUNA of the FALKLAND ISLANDS. POSITION: Volunteer (unpaid) field helper. DURATION: about 3 months, two shifts: 1) late September 2018 (arriving to the Falklands September 29th) to early December 2018, and 2) early December 2018 to late March 2019 LOCATION: Sea Lion Island, Falkland Islands, Southern Atlantic Ocean. DUTIES: - Southern elephant seals: counts, marking, mapping, observation of behavior, pup handling, collection of samples, sedation and handling of females for TDR and satellite tag deployment - Killer whales: photoidentification, observation and videotaping of behavior, necropsies of preys - Falklands skuas: counts, nest identification and mapping, observation of behavior - Raptors: counts, nest identification and mapping, observation of behavior - Marine birds: counts and mapping of different species (different species of penguins, cormorants, gulls, geese, and ducks) - Environmental monitoring: collection of microclimatic data, habitat classification, collection of GIS data DEADLINE: we have urgent need to fill up a few positions for the first shift, so the soonest the better. For the second shift deadline is September 23rd DESCRIPTION Volunteer field helpers are required for the 2018-2019 field season of various long-term research projects on marine megafauna of the Falkland Islands, carried out by the Elephant Seal Research Group at Sea Lion Island. Previous experience of field work is appreciated but not essential. 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. The ESRG is a small independent organization, so we are asking volunteers a 300 GBP contribution to help us with management expenses and individual research equipment repair/maintenance. Applicants will be required to work in the field for the whole length of the day, seven days per week, with just an half day of rest per week. Volunteers are required to help with cooking, cleaning of their cabin and general maintenance tasks. The data collection protocol is complex, the field work is physically demanding, and the weather is often not very good. People without a good tolerance to cold are discouraged to apply. It is a very rewarding, but demanding, experience. The island is a wonderful place with large unspoiled sandy beaches, and a very rich and very tame wildlife. It is the best hot spot for wildlife watching in the Falklands, it is an Important Birds Area, a RAMSAR convention site, and a National Nature Reserve. APPLICATION To apply please send 1) a cover letter describing your interest in the position and summarizing your qualifications for it, 2) a detailed CV, and 3) a copy of an identification document (with picture). Reference letters (3 maximum) are appreciated, but not essential, and should be sent directly to the email address mentioned below. If you think you may have extra documentation that can be relevant (eg, copy of a thesis, certificates, etc.) please mention them in your email, but don't send them unless we ask. Please put all documents in a single PDF file, name it as "your_surname - ESRG2018 - application", and email it as an attachment of an email to Dr. Simona Sanvito (simo_esrg at eleseal.org). Further details about the position are available here: http://www.eleseal.org/info_helpers_eng.html Thanks The ESRG team Con MyOpen hai Giga, SMS e i minuti che vuoi da 3? al mese, per sempre. Cambi gratis quando e come vuoi e in pi? hai 10? di credito omaggio! SCOPRI DI PIU? http://tisca.li/myopen -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From amanda.bradford at noaa.gov Thu Sep 6 12:59:30 2018 From: amanda.bradford at noaa.gov (Amanda Bradford - NOAA Federal) Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2018 09:59:30 -1000 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper on abundance of endangered false killer whales in the main Hawaiian Islands Message-ID: Aloha MARMAM community - On behalf of my coauthors, I would like to share our new paper on the abundance of endangered false killer whales in the main Hawaiian Islands: Bradford AL, Baird RW, Mahaffy SD, Gorgone AM, McSweeney DJ, Cullins T, Webster DL, Zerbini AN. 2018. Abundance estimates for management of endangered false killer whales in the main Hawaiian Islands. Endangered Species Research 36:297-313, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00903 The paper is open access and a PDF can be downloaded from the journal's website: . If you have not yet had your morning tea or coffee and are not quite ready for a full discussion of mark-recapture abundance estimation and sampling variability, you can have a look at the paper's abstract (pasted below) or check out the NOAA Fisheries Feature Story on this collaborative effort: < https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/estimating-number-endangered-false-killer-whales-main-hawaiian-islands >. ABSTRACT: Effectively using the best available data to meet management mandates for endangered populations is a common conservation challenge. False killer whales *Pseudorca crassidens* occur as 3 distinct populations in Hawaiian waters, including a resident main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) population that is endangered under the US Endangered Species Act. A longitudinal, photo-identification dataset of 171 distinctive individuals and open mark-recapture methods were used to estimate current MHI false killer whale abundance as needed for management of this population. The data are from dedicated and opportunistic surveys conducted from 2000 to 2015 around the MHI and reflect unquantified spatiotemporal biases imposed by necessary sampling constraints. Accounting for temporal variation and especially social group affiliation was important in modeling capture probability. Sensitivity analyses found that the resulting time series of 16 abundance estimates is robust to some forms of sampling variability and bias. However, because the study area was partially sampled each year, the annual abundance estimates apply only to the portion of the population using the sampled area and may underestimate true population abundance. Nonetheless, the resulting estimates and supporting evidence indicate that the MHI false killer whale population is relatively small; for example, only 167 (SE = 23, 95% CI = 128-218) individuals were estimated to have used the sampled area in 2015. Until data are available to estimate or overcome sampling biases, this estimation framework offers a tool for using data that have been regularly collected each year to produce current abundance estimates that are improvements over existing management inputs. Let me know if you have any questions about the paper or any difficulties with the links or PDF. Kind regards, amanda -- [image: Follow-Us-HICEAS-emblem.png] *Amanda L. Bradford, Ph.D.* Research Ecologist, Cetacean Research Program Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries (808) 725-5714 Mailing address: NOAA IRC NMFS/PIFSC/PSD/Amanda Bradford 1845 Wasp Blvd., Building 176 Honolulu, HI 96818 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From gianni.pavan at gmail.com Sun Sep 2 11:46:39 2018 From: gianni.pavan at gmail.com (Gianni Pavan) Date: Sun, 2 Sep 2018 20:46:39 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Searching annotated/labeled audio files of cetacean vocalizations Message-ID: dear all, I'm searching public, free accessible, or private sound libraries, either accessible for free or with fees, with collections of identified and labeled/annotated cetacean species vocalizations. This is a preliminary survey to locate possible sources of species-specific vocalizations to exercise with species recognition programs. For this type of application it is required to have at least hundreds of identified vocalizations for each species, with "annotated files" where each individual sound is identified and labelled; another option is to have a collection of files each one containing only one sound unit. By searching on google many sound libriaries pop up, but only Mobysound appears to have what I search. Any info about other sources will be highly appreciated. Recordings of tonal sounds are highly preferred. thanks in advance Gianni Pavan -- Centro Interdisciplinare di Bioacustica e Ricerche Ambientali Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e dell'Ambiente Universit? degli Studi di Pavia Via Taramelli 24, 27100 Pavia http://www.unipv.it/cibra http://mammiferimarini.unipv.it -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From amendonza at neaq.org Thu Sep 6 17:05:29 2018 From: amendonza at neaq.org (Alicia Mendonza) Date: Fri, 7 Sep 2018 00:05:29 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] NEAq opening In-Reply-To: <1536276568657.6731@uvic.ca> References: , , <1536276568657.6731@uvic.ca> Message-ID: <92251A2D-D3CF-4CB1-9413-6A64D7592957@neaq.org> The New England Aquarium is seeking a Research Assistant, Aerial Observer to participate in our aerial surveys for whales, dolphins and sea turtles in outer continental shelf federal waters off Massachusetts and Rhode Island. This area is currently proposed for offshore alternative energy development. Duties will include serving as an observer on all aerial surveys; quality checking data; coordination with the chief scientist and flight crew; and analysis of vertical photographs for the detection and identification of marine mammal and turtle species. The majority of field work will be aerial, although there may be opportunities to get involved in shipboard surveys with collaborators depending on contract opportunities. This is a grant funded staff position with at least 12 months of staffing provided. Additional service may be afforded only if additional grant funding is secured. *Please note the deadline for applications is Friday, September 14th 2018. Applicants who are available to start in mid-October preferred* SCHEDULE Office schedule will be Monday -- Friday, 9:00 AM -- 5:00 PM. Flight days will require irregular hours and some long days. Occasional weekends and holidays will be required. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 1. Participates in all aerial survey activities, including observer logistics, scientific data collection, monthly reporting, photographic and data analysis, and assistance with monthly reports and final annual report writing as needed. 2. Survey safety equipment and camera maintenance, preparation and in-flight troubleshooting as needed. 3. Follow safe operational requirements for every survey area, maintains flight and data logs, assists data quality checking and assurance, assists summarizing data and reports. 4. Photo-analysis of digital imagery for species detection and identifications, data processing and analysis as needed. 5. Performs other position-related duties, as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Training and Experience 1. A or B.S in Biology or related science, M.S with comparable experience preferred. 2. At least one year of marine mammal aerial survey flight time. 3. Good communication and coordination skills. 4. Handling large databases and performing quality checks. 5. Meeting deadlines for data and report deliverables. 6. Photographic skills and photo-identification experience. 7. Attention to detail for proofing and quality checking data 8. Ability to spend long hours performing photo analysis in the office. 9. Comfortable flying in a small aircraft (Can't get motion sickness) 10. Valid driver's license Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 1. Participation in right whale, other large whale, and turtle aerial research programs. 2. Maintaining and purchasing aerial survey equipment. 3. Familiarity with digital photography equipment and field use. 4. Computer skills, especially excel, access, word. For more information and to apply online please visit: http://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/ New England Aquarium is committed to diversity in the workplace and is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC. From christina.tilley at dolphins.org Fri Sep 7 05:51:38 2018 From: christina.tilley at dolphins.org (Christina Tilley) Date: Fri, 7 Sep 2018 08:51:38 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Research Internship Opportunity at Dolphin Research Center Message-ID: Dolphin Research Center Internships Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is currently accepting applications for Research Interns for the Winter 2019 term (January - April). DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility, home to a family of dolphins and sea lions. DRC is located on Grassy Key, in the heart of the Florida Keys. Internships at DRC are an exciting way to develop career skills as well as an opportunity to see how a marine mammal facility operates. Research interns participate in DRC's ongoing behavioral, cognitive, and field research projects, giving them broad exposure to a variety of research methodologies. Interns receive extensive on-the-job training in observing marine mammal behavior, collecting observational data, working with research equipment, and assisting with experimental research sessions. Note: conducting your own research projects is not part of this position. Specific job duties include: ? Collecting observational behavioral data ? Preparing stimuli for cognitive research sessions ? Assisting in setting up and breaking down equipment for cognitive and acoustic research sessions ? Operating video equipment ? Entering or scanning data into the computer for analysis ? General support of the facility through participation in the volunteer resource pool (facility maintenance, bird care, assisting with public programs, guest interactions, etc.) Internships require a minimum of a 16-week commitment, 40 hours per week. The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing. DRC will provide assistance in locating housing and/or matching up interns and volunteers desiring roommates. Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. Prior research experience is recommended but not required. The deadline to apply is October 1st. To apply, you must download the application available at www.dolphins.org. Click "Careers", and then "Internships?. It is mandatory that you please provide the following package: - A completed Application Form (including your Internship Preferences in order of choice under Section B) - A current Resume - Transcript (may be unofficial unless you are seeking a credit for your internship) - Two Letters of Recommendation with an original signature. (If currently enrolled in college, one letter must be from your Faculty Advisor) Currently, applications cannot be submitted online. Please send your application, supporting documentation, and any additional information you wish that you feel would be beneficial to us in processing your application by fax to the attention of Volunteer Resource at (305) 743-7627 or by regular mail: Dolphin Research Center Attn: Volunteer Resources Department 58901 Overseas Highway Grassy Key, FL 33050 USA Select publications: King, S.L., Guarino, E., Keaton, L., Erb, L., & Jaakkola, K. (2016). Maternal signature whistle use aids mother-calf reunions in a bottlenose dolphin,Tursiops truncatus. Behavioural Processes, 126, 64-70. King, S. L., Guarino, E., Donegan, K., Hecksher, J., & Jaakkola, K (in press). Further insights into postpatrum signature whistle use in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Marine Mammal Science. Jaakkola, K. (2014). Do animals understand invisible displacement? A critical review. Journal of Comparative Psychology, Vol. 128, No. 3, 225-239. Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Rodriguez, M., & Hecksher, J. (2013). Switching strategies: A dolphin's use of passive and active acoustics to imitate motor actions. Animal Cognition, 16, 701-709. Jaakkola, K. (2012). Cetacean cognitive specializations. In J. Vonk & T. Shackleford (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Comparative Evolutionary Psychology (pp. 144?165). New York: Oxford University Press. Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., & Rodriguez, M. (2010). Blindfolded imitation in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 23, 671-688. Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Rodriguez, M., Erb, L., & Trone, M. (2010). What do dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) understand about hidden objects? Animal Cognition, 13, 103-120. Jaakkola, K., Fellner, W., Erb, L., Rodriguez, A. M., & Guarino, E. (2005). Understanding the concept of numerically ?less? by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Comparative Psychology -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Jay.Cordeiro at umb.edu Tue Sep 4 20:28:34 2018 From: Jay.Cordeiro at umb.edu (Jay R Cordeiro) Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2018 03:28:34 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] marine mammals library reduced Message-ID: MARINE MAMMALS LIBRARY REMAINDER DISCOUNTED! To those interested, the remainder of a fine collection of marine mammal books from the private collection of fishery biologist Jeff Breiwick has now been reduced and is being offered for sale. All remaining items (link below) are 10% OFF THE LIST PRICE! In addition, purchases of $200 or more are offered at 20% reduction. Jeff was a fishery biologist with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA) in Seattle for 37 years. Jeff served for three years in the Peace Corps in Chile where he worked in a hake and a crab sampling program. He later returned to the U.S. to work on whale population dynamics and stock assessment issues while with NMFS and was a member of the Scientific Committee of the IWC. He has collected books on cetaceans since the late 1970s and recently retired in 2014. . A complete list of primarily marine mammals books from Jeff's library is viewable here: https://sites.google.com/site/northeastnaturalhistory/home/classroom-news/breiwickmarinemammalslibrary Please direct all inquiries to unionid at comcast.net. Thanks, Jay Cordeiro Northeast Natural History & Supply 24 North Grove Street Middleboro, MA 02346 unionid at comcast.net Website: https://sites.google.com/site/northeastnaturalhistory/home Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NortheastNaturalHistorySupply/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From julia.stepanuk at stonybrook.edu Fri Sep 7 11:10:10 2018 From: julia.stepanuk at stonybrook.edu (Julia Stepanuk) Date: Fri, 7 Sep 2018 14:10:10 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] New Publication: Spatiotemporal patterns of overlap between short-finned pilot whales and pelgaic longlines off of the US East Coast Message-ID: Dear MARMAM readers, We are pleased to announce the recent publication of the following paper in *Fisheries Research*: Stepanuk, JEF; Read, AJ; Baird, RW; Webster, DL; Thorne, LH (2018) Spatiotemporal patterns of overlap between short-finned pilot whales and the U.S. pelagic longline fishery in the Mid-Atlantic Bight: An assessment to inform the management of fisheries bycatch.* Fisheries Research*, 208, 309-320. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2018.07.008. Abstract: Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) depredate pelagic longlines along the shelf break of the Mid-Atlantic Bight. The mortality and serious injury of short-finned pilot whales in the U.S. pelagic longline fishery recently exceeded Potential Biological Removal levels defined under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act, and bycatch mitigation techniques developed to date have been unsuccessful. We examine the spatial and temporal characteristics of pilot whale habitat use and longline fishing effort, quantify spatiotemporal patterns of pilot whale bycatch based on environmental factors, and assess the potential for a spatial management approach to mitigate pilot whale bycatch. We assess patterns of overlap and bycatch of pilot whales and longlines by applying Area Under the Curve and Williamson?s Spatial Overlap Index analyses to telemetry data from short-finned pilot whales, along with longline fishing effort and Pelagic Observer Program (POP) fisheries observer data from 2014 and 2015. We found that proximity to the 1000 m isobath, season, and sea surface temperature (SST) were important variables influencing pilot whale-longline overlap and POP bycatch rates. Pilot whale density was consistently highest immediately inshore of the 1000 m isobath, but longline effort varied seasonally relative to the 1000 m isobath. Resultant seasonal patterns in pilot whale-longline overlap relative to the 1000 m isobath were strongly and significantly correlated with POP bycatch rates; the highest bycatch rates primarily occurred in fall and winter months, when longline effort shifted inshore near the 1000 m isobath. We observed differences in the distribution of logbook and POP longline sets relative to the 1000 m isobath; POP sets were more dispersed relative to this feature while the overall distribution of longline effort was typically focused at the 1000 m isobath. Since bycatch primarily occurred close to the 1000 m isobath, more bycatch might be observed if the observer effort better reflected the overall distribution of longline effort. In winter months, POP bycatch occurred in cooler waters than most observations of tagged pilot whales, and therefore the relationship between bycatch and SST during winter months requires further exploration. Together, our results suggest that a spatial management approach could be effective in reducing pilot whale bycatch in the pelagic longline fishery, and an improved understanding of the relationships between pilot whale bycatch and dynamic variables might allow high-risk regions for pilot whale bycatch to be further delineated. The paper has 50 days free access at the following link: https://authors.elsevier.com/c/1Xgd8_3nFpNYis Best, Julia -- *Julia Stepanuk* PhD Student M.S. Marine Science Stony Brook University Department of Ecology and Evolution -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kpatchett at ifaw.org Thu Sep 6 12:13:27 2018 From: kpatchett at ifaw.org (Patchett, Kristen) Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2018 19:13:27 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] IFAW Marine Mammal Stranding Internships Message-ID: The International Fund for Animal Welfare is accepting applications for Winter / Spring 2019 Marine Mammal Stranding Internships. Winter Session 2018 (January 15, 2019 - mid/ late May 2019 ) Complete Applications due: October 1, 2018 Program Background IFAW is an international non-profit organization. This internship is based out of our International Operations Center in Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts, USA. IFAW's Marine Mammal Rescue and Research program is a federally authorized program dedicated to marine mammal stranding response on Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts. Our division's mission is to promote the conservation of marine mammal species and their habitat by improving the rescue and humane care of stranded marine mammals, advancing stranding science, and increasing public awareness through education. Cape Cod is a marine mammal stranding "hot spot," with an average of over 240 strandings occurring each year. These strandings include live and dead seals, whales, porpoises, and dolphins. Only complete applications will be considered. Please click on the link below for more information and to submit an application. https://recruiting.ultipro.com/INT1059IFFA/JobBoard/17b588a3-808b-4bc9-aea8-c3385a35ec51/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=52c38266-a6cb-41d8-925e-16e22a4f28c0 Kristen Patchett CVT | Stranding Coordinator Marine Mammal Rescue and Research ___________________________________________________________ IFAW - International Fund for Animal Welfare International Operations Center 290 Summer Street - Yarmouth Port, MA 02675 tel. 1.508.744.2171 email. kpatchett at ifaw.org Saving Animals in Crisis Around the World www.ifaw.org The content of this email is intended only for the use of the above-named addressee and may contain information that is confidential, proprietary, and/or legally privileged. Please notify the sender if you received this email in error. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From milaja.ny at gmail.com Fri Sep 7 03:07:10 2018 From: milaja.ny at gmail.com (=?UTF-8?Q?Milaja_Nyk=C3=A4nen?=) Date: Fri, 7 Sep 2018 11:07:10 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper on bottlenose dolphin population structure and dispersal Message-ID: Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I'd like to draw your attention to a recently published paper on bottlenose dolphin population structure and dispersal between Marine Protected Areas. Nyk?nen M, Dillane E, Englund A, Foote AD, Ingram SN, Louis M, Mirimin L, Oudejans M, Rogan E. 2018. Quantifying dispersal between marine protected areas by a highly mobile species, the bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus. Ecology and Evolution doi: 10.1002/ece3.4343 The article is open access and is available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ece3.4343 Abstract The functioning of marine protected areas (MPAs) designated for marine megafauna has been criticized due to the high mobility and dispersal potential of these taxa. However, dispersal within a network of small MPAs can be beneficial as connectivity can result in increased effective population size, maintain genetic diversity, and increase robustness to ecological and environmental changes making populations less susceptible to stochastic genetic and demographic effects (i.e., Allee effect). Here, we use both genetic and photo?identification methods to quantify gene flow and demographic dispersal between MPAs of a highly mobile marine mammal, the bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus. We identify three populations in the waters of western Ireland, two of which have largely nonoverlapping core coastal home ranges and are each strongly spatially associated with specific MPAs. We find high site fidelity of individuals within each of these two coastal populations to their respective MPA. We also find low levels of demographic dispersal between the populations, but it remains unclear whether any new gametes are exchanged between populations through these migrants (genetic dispersal). The population sampled in the Shannon Estuary has a low estimated effective population size and appears to be genetically isolated. The second coastal population, sampled outside of the Shannon, may be demographically and genetically connected to other coastal subpopulations around the coastal waters of the UK. We therefore recommend that the methods applied here should be used on a broader geographically sampled dataset to better assess this connectivity. Kind regards, Milaja Nykanen -- Dr Milaja Nykanen School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork Cork, Ireland m.nykanen at ucc.ie -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From thomas.j.moore at noaa.gov Thu Sep 6 17:21:58 2018 From: thomas.j.moore at noaa.gov (T.J. Moore) Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2018 17:21:58 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: Exploring ship traffic variability off California Message-ID: My co-authors and I are happy to note that the following paper has been published: Moore, T.J., Redfern, J.V., Carver, M., Hastings, S., Adams, J.D., and Silber, G.K., 2018. Exploring ship traffic variability off California. *Ocean & Coastal Management* 163: 515-527 (DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2018.03.010). Abstract Seaborne trade continues to grow and is an important component of the global economy. Threats from shipping to marine ecosystems include oil spills and other water pollution, air pollution, anchor scouring, biological invasions, container loss, chronic noise, and collisions between ships and large whales. Shipping and its associated threats can be influenced by a suite of regulations and economic events. The dynamic nature of ship traffic can be characterized using ship tracking data from automatic identification system (AIS) technology. These data enhance our ability to analyze the ecological threats from commercial shipping as a component of spatially explicit risk assessments. We explore ship traffic variability using a case study in waters off California. AIS data from 2008 to 2015 were used to evaluate the role of vessel emission regulations and economic events on vessel routes and speeds. We document vessels navigating around emission control areas (ECAs) or reducing speed when traveling through them. Large freight vessels decreased speeds from 2008 to 2015 by about 3?6 knots in many areas, with lowered speeds observed in areas of both heavy and sparse vessel use. The timing and location of the speed reductions appear to be most influenced by state and international clean fuel standards, which required the use of more costly fuels. Therefore, the speed reductions may have provided a more cost-effective means of travel. We also found temporary speed increases off southern California when vessels used longer routes to avoid traveling through an ECA. We conclude that the establishment of ECAs had a profound influence on vessel routes and speeds, likely due to the higher costs of clean fuels. Proposals have come before the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to establish clean fuel requirements in various locations around the world to reduce air-borne emissions from vessels. Our research suggests such proposals, or other events that may affect marine fuel prices, can have key impacts on vessel behavior. Consequently, it is important to consider this variability when designing strategies to minimize threats from shipping to vulnerable biophysical systems. Keywords Maritime shipping, Automatic identification system, Air pollution regulations, Cetaceans, Slow steaming, Fuel prices A share link is available and provides access to read and download the article in the next 50 days (before October 26, 2018). No sign up, registration or fees are required. The link is: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1Xh2z3RKK-cJM5 Kind regards, T.J. Moore NOAA SWFSC La Jolla, CA thomas.j.moore at noaa.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From L.Lieber at qub.ac.uk Fri Sep 7 02:17:55 2018 From: L.Lieber at qub.ac.uk (Lilian Lieber) Date: Fri, 7 Sep 2018 09:17:55 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper: using mobile ADCP surveys to understand pinniped at-sea distribution in turbulent environments Message-ID: <2BDCAF750BABEA44ACB05E4EDC9D1A061BEE3E90@EX2K10-MBX5.ads.qub.ac.uk> Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent publication on fine-scale hydrodynamic forcing underlying pinniped at-sea occupancy patterns in a highly dynamic tidal channel: Lieber L, Nimmo-Smith WAM, Waggitt JJ, Kregting L. (2018) Fine-scale hydrodynamic metrics underlying predator occupancy patterns in tidal stream environments. Ecological Indicators 94, 397?408. doi:10.1016/j.ecolind.2018.06.071. Abstract Whilst the development of the tidal stream industry will help meet marine renewable energy (MRE) targets, the potential impacts on mobile marine predators using these highly dynamic environments need consideration. Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) required for potential MRE sites generally involve site-specific animal density estimates obtained from lengthy and costly surveys. Recent studies indicate that whilst large-scale tidal forcing is predictable, local hydrodynamics are variable and often result in spatio-temporal patchiness of marine predators. Therefore, understanding how fine-scale hydrodynamics influence animal distribution patterns could inform the placing of devices to reduce collision and displacement risks. Quantifying distributions requires animal at-sea locations and the concurrent collection of high-resolution hydrodynamic measurements. As the latter are routinely collected during tidal resource characterization at potential MRE sites, there is an untapped opportunity to efficiently collect information on the former to improve EIAs. Here we describe a survey approach that uses vessel-mounted ADCP (Acoustic Doppler current profiler) transects in combination with marine mammal surveys to collect high-resolution and concurrent hydrodynamic data in relation to pinniped (harbour seals Phoca vitulina, grey seals Halichoerus grypus) at-sea occupancy patterns within an energetic tidal channel (peak current magnitudes >4.5?ms?1). We identified novel ADCP-derived fine-scale hydrodynamic metrics that could have ecological relevance for seals using these habitats. We show that our local acoustic backscattering strength metric (an indicator for macro-turbulence) had the highest influence on seal encounters. During peak flows, pinnipeds avoided the mid-channel characterized by extreme backscatter. At-sea occupancy further corresponded with the increased shear and eddies that are strong relative to the mean flows found at the edges of the channel. Our approach, providing oceanographic context to animal habitat use through combined survey methodologies, enhances environmental management of potential MRE sites. The cost-effective collection of such data and the application of our metrics could streamline the EIA process in the early stages of the consenting process. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470160X18305181?via%3Dihubhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470160X18305181?via%3Dihub To get access to the full article, please send an email to: l.lieber at qub.ac.uk or request the PDF via ResearchGate. Best, Lilian Dr Lilian Lieber Research Fellow School of Natural and Built Environment Queen's University Marine Laboratory Portaferry 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry BT22 1PF Northern Ireland Webpages: Queen's University Marine Research Group, Research Gate, Google Scholar Mobile: +44 (0)7837425855 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From cdmacleod at GISinEcology.com Fri Sep 7 02:47:55 2018 From: cdmacleod at GISinEcology.com (Colin D. MacLeod) Date: Fri, 7 Sep 2018 10:47:55 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] Final Call: Training Course - An Introduction To Using GIS/QGIS In Biological Research, 1-2 October 2018 Message-ID: <4E0C8502A4A241A4AA8479F3D9195C35@House1> This is the final call for attendees for our upcoming introductory training course for those who wish to learn how to use GIS in biological research, and it will provide an introduction to using GIS in a wide variety of biological research situations, including marine mammal research, and the course includes two marine-mammal-specific practical exercises (one based around calculating the observed abundance per unit survey effort of dolphins using a grid-based approach, and one based around mapping species richness for North Atlantic beaked whales). It is primmarily based around a GIS software package called QGIS, which is free to use. As a result, it is one of the best options for doing GIS for self-employed MMOs, small environmental consultancies, NGOs, those working on small marine mammal research projects with limited budgets for purchasing software licences and students working at universities who do not have access to commercial GIS software packages. The course will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, on the 1st and 2nd of October 2018, and it will be taught by Dr Colin D. MacLeod, who has more than 15 years experience in using GIS for a wide variety of biological purposes. For those who cannot attend this course in person, a shorter online course based on the same materials is available from our sister site www.GISforBiologists.com. The course will primarily be based around QGIS (also known as Quantum GIS), which provides a user-friendly, open-source, free alternative to commercial GIS software packages, and it is becoming increasingly widely used in both academic and commercial organisations As a result, it is aimed at both those with no GIS experience, but wish to learn how to do GIS with QGIS, and also those who are familiar with using commercial GIS software, such as ArcGIS, but who wish to learn how to use QGIS as an alternative. However, this course is taught using software-independent approach, and it is also open to those who wish to learn how to use ArcGIS to do biological GIS. The practical exercises on this course will be based on those in the recently published GIS For Biologists: A Practical Introduction For Undergraduates by Dr MacLeod, and a free copy of this book will be provided to all participants. Attendance will be limited to a maximum of 16 people, and the course will cost ?295 per person (?200 for students, the unwaged and those working for registered charities). To book a place, or for more information, visit http://gisinecology.com/an-introduction-to-using-gis-in-biological-research/ or email info at GISinEcology.com. Glasgow has great transport links and is within half a days travel by car or by fast train links from most cities in the UK. For example, it can be reached in as little as 4h 30mins from London by train. It can also be reached by direct flights from many European cities and the flight time is generally under four hours. The course will be held in central Glasgow at the IET Glasgow Teacher Building (14 St Enoch Square, Glasgow, G1 4DB, UK). Attendees will be responsible for their own accommodation. However, Glasgow provides a wide range of accommodation options to fit most budgets. ================================================================================== GIS IN ECOLOGY - Providing Training, Advice And Consultancy On The Use Of GIS In Ecology Web: www.GISinEcology.com Email: info at GISinEcology.com Need to ask a question about using GIS? Try the GIS In Ecology Forum: www.GISinEcology.com/GIS_in_Ecology_forum.htm Books From GIS In Ecology Staff: GIS For Biologists: A Practical Introduction For Undergraduates; RRP: ?24.99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology; RRP: ?44.99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology: Supplementary Workbook One - Creating Maps Of Species Distribution; RRP: ?19:99 If you wish to purchase these books, visit: http://www.gisinecology.com/Book_Shop.htm To help the environment, please do not print out this email unless it is unavoidable. ================================================================================== --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From sarahtubbs123 at gmail.com Sun Sep 9 03:54:53 2018 From: sarahtubbs123 at gmail.com (Sarah Tubbs) Date: Sun, 9 Sep 2018 17:54:53 +0700 Subject: [MARMAM] Call for Marine Mammal Research Interns in Kep, Cambodia. Message-ID: Call for Marine Mammal Research Interns in Kep, Cambodia. Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC) is an NGO based on the island of Koh Ach Seh, in Cambodia's Kep Archipelago. The organisation has many facets, including working to stop illegal fishing practices, ecological and social science research and collecting data to use in the implementation of conservation legislation. In September 2017, MCC introduced *The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project,* in collaboration with the Royal Government of Cambodia?s Fisheries Administration. The project's primary aim is to collect data on abundance, distribution and residency to delineate and protect critical habitats for the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin in Cambodia's Kep Archipelago. At present, we are looking for marine mammal research interns to join the team. * Project activities: * ? a minimum of 3 observational land surveys per week using a Theodolite and Pythagoras software; ? a minimum of 1 observational boat survey per week; ? photo-identification techniques using Discovery software; ? passive acoustic monitoring using a C-POD and CPOD.exe software; ? social science techniques; ? data entry, processing and analysis; ? education and outreach; ? running a marine mammal stranding network; ? scientific writing for peer-reviewed journals and government reports; ? designing marine mammal legislation. *Basic internship training schedule* Session 1: Introduction to MCC and The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project. Session 2: Research method training on observational land and boat surveying techniques. Session 3: Marine mammal identification and behaviour training. Session 4: Marine vessel identification training. Session 5: Data sheet and data entry training. Session 6: Drone footage analysis training. Session 7: Training feedback and debrief. Session 8: Practice observational land and boat survey. Session 9: Theodolite introduction and training. Session 10: Pythagoras and Theodolite station setting training. You will also become involved in other project related activities, depending on your interest, skill set and length of stay. *Internship requirements:* We are looking for dedicated, motived and hard-working interns, able to commit for a minimum internship period of two months. We are looking for those who will commit to early mornings and late nights, with a keen interest in marine mammals and their conservation. Ideally, we are looking for university students or recent graduates. *Project site description:* The project is based on the island of Koh Ach Seh, a 40-minute boat trip from Kep Town, Cambodia. The island is inhabited only by MCC, a team made up of a mixture of interdisciplinary international and local staff. The accommodation and facilities on the island are basic but well-maintained. You will be in shared and catered accommodation with fellow interns and staff members. All project related resources are provided. *Application process and fees:* There is an internship fee of $300 USD/week for the 1st and 2nd months, $250/week for the 3rd and 4th months, and $200/week for the 5th and 6th months. The fee covers: ? all food, water, accommodation; ? transport to and from the mainland to the project island; ? marine mammal research training; ? scuba diving (if qualified); ? and the opportunity to get involved in activities and training at MCC, such as seahorse research or artificial reef management. There are limited spaces available, if interested, please send a CV/resume and covering letter, stating your available dates and desired length of stay, to *cambodiadolphinproject at gmail.com * *Sarah Tubbs* Project Coordinator of 'The Cambodian Dolphin Project', Marine Conservation Cambodia +855 97 642 5886 | cambodiadolphinproject at gmail.com https://www.marineconservationcambodia.org/ Create your own email signature -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From simon.elwen at gmail.com Sun Sep 9 13:58:16 2018 From: simon.elwen at gmail.com (Simon Elwen) Date: Sun, 9 Sep 2018 22:58:16 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Namibian Dolphin Project - Volunteer positions available immediately Oct-Nov 2018 Message-ID: The Namibian Dolphin Project is a research and conservation organisation based in Walvis Bay, Namibia which has been running for over 10 years. We currently have openings for 2 long-term volunteers for the period 01 Oct to 30 Nov 2018. As an integral part of a small team working with the Field Officer - this is a very hands on experience and a great way to get a wide range of field experience. Volunteers will be directly involved in day to day activities of the research station including on-going field work including small-boat and opportunistic surveys, land-based dolphin surveys, seal entanglement monitoring, hydrophone deployments and recovery, and attendance at post mortem examinations of stranded cetaceans or turtles that may occur. Additionally, volunteers will be involved in data input and processing, public outreach and equipment maintenance. The Namibian Dolphin Project is part of the Sea Search Research and Conservation group, a registered non profit. We request that volunteers pay a financial contribution to cover accommodation, food and training. Accommodation is in shared housing at the NDP Field station. Please contact info at seasearch.co.za with a CV and brief motivation. Wore information available on our website here: http://www.namibiandolphinproject.org/get-involved/volunteer-internship-program/ Regards, Dr Simon Elwen Director: Namibian Dolphin Project -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Simon Elwen Ph.D. NRF Research Fellow at the Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria Based at Sea Search Africa - 4 Bath Rd, Muizenberg, Cape Town. Phone: +27 21 788 1206 (Office SA), +27 71 139 5951 (Mob SA) www.seasearch.co.za & www.namibiandolphinproject.org The first *African Bioacoustics Community conference will be held in Cape Town on the **3rd-7th December 2018*. https://www.facebook.com/africanbioacousticscommunity/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From rtfieldi at sewanee.edu Tue Sep 4 07:08:10 2018 From: rtfieldi at sewanee.edu (Russell Fielding) Date: Tue, 4 Sep 2018 09:08:10 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] documentary for educational use Message-ID: Dear MARMAM list members, I have used the documentary "The Islands and the Whales" in my own undergraduate classes and wanted to share information about it with you here. I found it to be a useful prompt for discussions about cetacean conservation and issues related to environmental change and cultural tradition. Here is some information from the filmmaker: *In the North Atlantic archipelago of the Faroe Islands the traditional hunting of seabirds and pilot whales continues to provide food for the table, but many doubt the way of life will continue for many more years.Local species of seabirds are in catastrophic decline as the eco-system changes, and plastic flotsam fills their stomachs, while the pilot whales are highly contaminated with mercury and PCBs.A local toxicologist, Dr P?l Weihe, conducted a thirty year study of thousands of the islands? children. He found that eating the contaminated whale meat could cause permanent cognitive impairment to children exposed in the womb, and may be linked to the islands? high rate of Parkinson?s Disease, as well as other health problems. He concluded that the pilot whales were no longer suitable for human consumption. Although not acute, the health problems were significant, and affect us all, many species of fish also contain high levels of the same pollutants. The Faroe Islanders say they are a canary in the mine, their tale a warning to us all.As the islanders come to terms with the health revelations, they face increased pressure from the outside world to stop the whale hunts. Hundreds of anti-whaling activists arrive, determined to physically intervene in the hunts. Their presence creates a defensive reaction, the Faroese argue that the hunts are lawful and that the whales are not endangered and vow to continue.* ?captivating and touching? it goes under the skin of a faraway population and makes you feel the paradoxes that face them. Apart from the beauty of the scenery and the excitement from the dramas, the film provides food for numerous discussions that should stimulate cross-disciplinary student populations, whether from the humanities, political science, medicine, or environmental studies. This film is particularly well suited to expose different perspectives, as there is no finger pointing or finger wagging. It has multiple dimensions, and they are all beautifully depicted.? - Professor Philippe Grandjean, Harvard University http://www.rocoeducational.com/the_islands_and_the_whales --- Russell Fielding, Ph.D. Department of Earth and Environmental Systems The University of the South Sewanee, TN 37383 USA office: Snowden Hall 211B phone: 931-598-1815 email: russell.fielding at sewanee.edu web: sewanee.edu/faculty/fielding forthcoming book: *The Wake of the Whale: Hunter Societies in the Caribbean and North Atlantic * (Harvard University Press, October 2018) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From immacoordinator at gmail.com Mon Sep 10 08:37:57 2018 From: immacoordinator at gmail.com (MMPATF IMMA) Date: Mon, 10 Sep 2018 16:37:57 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] **Reminder - Submissions of candidate IMMA areas of interest for the Extended Southern Ocean region** Message-ID: **Reminder - Submissions of candidate IMMA areas of interest for the Extended Southern Ocean region** Dear Subscribers, This is a reminder regarding submissions of Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA) areas of interest in the Extended Southern Ocean region. The deadline for all submissions is by midnight Sunday September 23rd 2018. The IMMA is a global initiative developed by the IUCN Joint SSC/WCPA Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force (IUCN MMPATF). The aim of IMMA classification is to identify and delineate discrete areas of habitat throughout the world's seas and oceans, important for one or more species of marine mammal, that have the potential to be delineated and managed for conservation. This will require the application of a standardized process for the collation and categorization of evidence, using a consistent protocol and agreed methodology. The Mediterranean Sea, Pacific Islands, and North East Indian Ocean & South East Asian Seas regions were assessed in 2016, 2017, and 2018. Results of these workshops can be accessed via the dedicated IMMA e-Atlas facility www.marinemammalhabitat.org/imma-eatlas and Task Force website www.marinemammalhabitat.org/downloads The next region to be assessed by invited experts will be held in Brest, France, during October 2018, at a specially convened regional IMMA workshop for the Extended Southern Ocean region. To assist those participating experts to investigated where IMMAs may be located the IUCN MMPATF would like to invite interested parties to submit proposals using the IMMA standard web platform, which can be accessed through the following link - https://goo.gl/LQ3VFh - please be advised that you can only submit one proposal per survey taken. However, should you wish to submit more than one proposal, please complete this survey multiple times using the same link provided. All submissions will be collated and presented to participating experts at the Extended Southern Ocean regional IMMA workshop in October 2018. The IUCN MMPATF would like to thank you for your interest in the IMMA initiative. Further information about IMMAs can be found at the Task Force homepage (www.marinemammalhabitat.org) and on the Task Force IMMA Facebook page (tinyurl.com/zr9rvf4). For any further questions or assistance please contact the IUCN-MMPATF at immacoordinatorgmail.com Dr Michael J. Tetley - IMMA Coordinator IUCN Joint SSC/WCPA Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force (IUCN MMPATF) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ctombach at gmail.com Tue Sep 11 10:49:26 2018 From: ctombach at gmail.com (Christina Tombach Wright) Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2018 10:49:26 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] ACS-LA Student Travel Grants to the 16th International Conference of the American Cetacean Society - Now accepting applications Message-ID: <627179A7-BFCA-464C-94FF-AE6A39D1A393@gmail.com> The American Cetacean Society, Los Angeles Chapter (ACS-LA) is happy to announce the opening of applications for 2018 Student Travel Grants. The Los Angeles Chapter of the American Cetacean Society (ACS-LA) is offering four travel grants in the amount of $250.00 each to students working or attending school in the Southern California area and who will be attending the 16th International Conference ?Whales & Us: the Next Generation? hosted by the American Cetacean Society (ACS), in Newport Beach, CA, November 2-4, 2018. Conference information is available here: https://www.acsonline.org/2018-conference . The four $250 travel grants will be awarded to four students exhibiting outstanding commitment to research on marine mammals. Students should either be attending school in Southern California and/or conducting their marine mammal research in Southern California. Presenting at the ACS Conference is not a requirement for applying for the student travel grant, but priority will be given to students presenting a poster at the conference. Eligibility: 1. Applicant needs to be a student (undergraduate or graduate) and be attending the ACS conference. Proof of registration will be required prior to receiving your award. You can register for the conference at this link: https://www.acsonline.org/2018-conference . If you are presenting a poster at the ACS conference, you will be given additional priority for receiving these travel grants. AND 2. Applicant should be a student attending an accredited institution and living in Southern California, or the applicant?s research focus should be on Marine Mammals located in or around Southern California. Applications: Applications should include the following: 1. Cover sheet with: a) Title of poster presentation being given at ACS Conference (if presenting). Note: presenting is not required to receive a travel grant award. If not presenting, leave this blank. b) Your area of interest or area of research c) Applicant Contact Information (Name, Address, E-mail, and Phone numbers) d) Current school and major including current supervisor and department. If you are an undergraduate please indicate special areas of interest for you and give the name of your supervising professor if you have one. 2. Proof that applicant is a student (photo of the front and back of current student ID card). 3. A one-page CV or Resume 4. Note: Upon acceptance of the award, proof of ACS Conference registration will be required prior to receipt of grant award. Conference attendance is required to receive this award. Deadlines: Deadline for submission is 3 October, 2018. Awards will be announced by 12 October, 2018. Applications should be sent by E-mail to ACSLA.Grants at gmail.com. Information about the Los Angeles Chapter of ACS can be found on our website: www.acs-la.org . To join ACS-LA, please go to https://www.acsonline.org/membership and specify the Los Angeles Chapter. To Register for the ACS Conference please go to: https://www.acsonline.org/2018-conference. For further information about specific chapters and other grant-making programs, please visit the Chapter page of the National American Cetacean Society website: www.acsonline.org . ========================== ACS-LA Grants Coordinator Christina Tombach Wright American Cetacean Society-Los Angeles Chapter acsla.grants at gmail.com www.acs-la.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Lisa.Lauderdale at czs.org Tue Sep 11 18:42:23 2018 From: Lisa.Lauderdale at czs.org (Lauderdale, Lisa) Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2018 01:42:23 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Cetacean Welfare Research Internship Opportunity Message-ID: Title: Cetacean Welfare Research Intern at Brookfield Zoo Position Description: This 4-month, part-time placement provides hands-on experience working with the Chicago Zoological Society's Animal Welfare Research Department at Brookfield Zoo. Intern will participate in the multi-institutional Cetacean Welfare Study and will work with the Animal Welfare Post-Doctoral Fellow on techniques necessary to conduct behavioral and physiological research within a zoological setting focused on specific aspects of animal welfare. Intern will have hands-on experience with all aspects of coding behavioral videos and processing biological samples. Desirable qualifications: Applicants who have demonstrated experience with research in lab, field, or other setting. Coursework in research skills, biology, animal behavior, ecology, or related subjects. Term of Appointment: 4 months (February 2019 -May 2019); approximately 24 hr./week. Salary/funding: This is an unpaid position. Application Deadline: September 31, 2018. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://www.czs.org/interns -- Lisa Lauderdale, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellow Chicago Zoological Society - Brookfield Zoo 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513, USA Email: lisa.lauderdale at czs.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From sea.research.conservation at gmail.com Tue Sep 11 05:21:18 2018 From: sea.research.conservation at gmail.com (Erin Church - Sea Search Research and Conservation) Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2018 14:21:18 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Research Internships and long term Volunteer placements with Sea Search and the Namibian Dolphin Project Message-ID: Sea Search Research and Conservation is offering the opportunity for interested students and young researchers to join our projects to get real work experience working with an active research group on our projects in Southern Africa. Currently, there are several research internships and long-term volunteer placements available with Sea Search Research and Conservation and the Namibian Dolphin Project. The internships are research focused with an emphasis on learning (and using) field skills used in cetacean research such as photo-ID, acoustic and behavioural data collection, strandings response as well as data management and teamwork. There is also a component of outreach work in all projects. Interns will work closely with the project leaders Dr Tess Gridley and Dr Simon Elwen. We are open to students using data collected during internships for student projects. Three types of opportunity are available at different times of year: 1) Long-term volunteer at Sea Search offices - Cape Town, South Africa - 2 months minimum - Oct 2018 to May 2019 - mix of office/analytical/data processing/outreach and fieldwork. Fieldwork covering multiple species, with a special focus on feeding humpback whales on the west coast over autumn and summer. 2) Long-term volunteer at the Namibian Dolphin Project office in Walvis Bay Namibia - 2 months minimum - Oct 2018 to May 2019 - - mix of office/outreach and fieldwork. Research focuses on bottlenose and Heaviside's dolphins, strandings response, outreach with schools, data collection from tour boats and assisting with ~2-4 boat surveys /month 3) Field intensive training internships at the Namibian Dolphin Project in Walvis Bay Namibia - 1 month minimum - Jun 2019 to Aug 2019. Interns will assist the research team during our main fieldwork period with daily field work on a range of topics. There is a strong field skills training component during this time. There is a cost associated with each internship to help cover training, accommodation etc. For more information, download our new brochure here! http://seasearch.co.za/training/. PLEASE CONTACT info at seasearch.co.za for FURTHER DETAILS regarding application. Please include your CV, availability and a brief motivation of the interest. More information can be found on the Namibian Dolphin Project (Namibia) and our umbrella organisation Sea Search Research and Conservation (South Africa) by following these links (www.namibiandolphinproject.org , www.seasearch.co.za ) With thanks, *The Sea Search Team* Sea Search Research and Conservation 4 Bath Road Muizenberg 021 788 1206 www.seasearch.co.z a -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jj_alava at yahoo.com Tue Sep 11 10:19:46 2018 From: jj_alava at yahoo.com (Juan Jose Alava) Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2018 17:19:46 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [MARMAM] New paper on Projected amplification of food web bioaccumulation of MeHg and PCBs under climate change in the Northeastern Pacific" References: <1664720779.3646019.1536686386784.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1664720779.3646019.1536686386784@mail.yahoo.com> Dear colleagues, I am pleased to announce the publication our new paper on "Projected amplification of food web bioaccumulation of MeHg and PCBs under climate change in the Northeastern Pacific", which was in Scientific Reports. This work is focused on the impact of climate change on pollutant bioaccumulation? and bioamplification (i.e. methyl mercury and PCBs) in the food web of the endangered southern resident killer whales from the Northeastern Pacific. Please, see below the abstract and link for open access and attached the original pdf of the publication. Projected amplification of food web bioaccumulation of MeHg and PCBs under climate change in the Northeastern Pacific Juan Jos? Alava, Andr?s M. Cisneros-Montemayor, U. Rashid Sumaila & William W. L. Cheung? Scientific Reports, volume?8, Article?number:?13460 (2018) Abstract Climate change increases exposure and bioaccumulation of pollutants in marine organisms, posing substantial ecophysiological and ecotoxicological risks. Here, we applied a trophodynamic ecosystem model to examine the bioaccumulation of organic mercury (MeHg) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in a Northeastern Pacific marine food web under climate change. We found largely heterogeneous sensitivity in climate-pollution impacts between chemicals and trophic groups. Concentration of MeHg and PCBs in top predators, including resident killer whales, is projected to be amplified by 8 and 3%, respectively, by 2100 under a high carbon emission scenario (Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5) relative to a no-climate change control scenario. However, the level of amplification increases with higher carbon emission scenario for MeHg, but decreases for PCBs. Such idiosyncratic responses are shaped by the differences in bioaccumulation pathways between MeHg and PCBs, and the modifications of food web dynamics between different levels of climate change. Climate-induced pollutant amplification in mid-trophic level predators (Chinook salmon) are projected to be higher (~10%) than killer whales. Overall, the predicted trophic magnification factor is ten-fold higher in MeHg than in PCBs under high CO2 emissions. This contribution highlights the importance of understanding the interactions with anthropogenic organic pollutants in assessing climate risks on marine ecosystems. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-31824-5.epdf?author_access_token=gWRzVVXrUPUbZdEY7YEyb9RgN0jAjWel9jnR3ZoTv0PBQZjr6H4ubFyRvFePQIZuZ6JDjTR4XTpaiDNGjIaMFIWI3QK-UDfUq5AoQ35JP0e-2Tfjr0vHqloluztDYlAneHKEMK10ZtLYtlneR2L8jQ%3D%3D A media release on this work was also posted today at the website of the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia http://oceans.ubc.ca/2018/09/11/climate-change-fuels-accumulation-of-pollutants-in-chinook-salmon-killer-whales/ Also, this article (the modeling paper) should be a follow up for the review paper aforementioned on "Climate change?contaminant interactions in marine food webs: Toward a conceptual framework" published last year (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/gcb.13667)and the story about it posted in: http://oceans.ubc.ca/2017/04/27/apex-marine-predators-affected-by-human-made-pollutants-and-climate-change/.?Please, feel free to distribute this article throughout your networks. Best Wishes!!! Juan Jose Alava Juan Jose Alava, PhD? Adjunct Professor Resource and Environmental Management, Faculty of Environment, Simon Fraser University 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6,Canada E-mail: jalavasa at sfu.ca Juan Jose Alava Research Associate (Honorary), Nippon Foundation- Nereus Program Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries Faculty of Science, The University of British Columbia AERL 313.02-2202 Main Mall | Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4 Canada http://oceans.ubc.ca/juan-jose-alava/ https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Juan_Jose_Alava/contributions?ev=prf_act https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=J_hAHnwAAAAJ&hl=en -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jj_alava at yahoo.com Tue Sep 11 20:02:29 2018 From: jj_alava at yahoo.com (Juan Jose Alava) Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2018 03:02:29 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [MARMAM] New publications on elephant seas vagrants and small cetacean strandings-Ecuador In-Reply-To: <1904053338.3749019.1536694432820@mail.yahoo.com> References: <1904053338.3749019.1536694432820.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1904053338.3749019.1536694432820@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <137197531.3932718.1536721349456@mail.yahoo.com> Dear colleagues, Please, find below a couple of new papers recently published by marine mammal researchers from Ecuador and international colleagues. Articles: P?ez-Rosas, D., Riofr?o-Lazo, M., Ortega, J., Morales J.de D.,, Carvajal, R., Alava, J.J. 2018. Southern elephant seal vagrants in Ecuador: a symptom of La Ni?a events? Marine Biodiversity Records 11: 13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41200-018-0149-y AbstractBackgroundExtralimital observations of pinnipeds are important tounderstand the effects of changing climates on our oceans and the distributionof these species. The southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) is aknown vagrant species that moves over long distances. We report three newrecords of M. leonina in interior freshwater tributaries of the GuayasRiver Estuary Basin (Gulf of Guayaquil) and northern coast of Ecuador betweenOctober 2017 and January 2018 during a cold episode of La Nina event in thesoutheastern Pacific.ResultsThe elephant seals were identified according to their largesize (~?5?m for adult and 2?3?m for juveniles/subadults), the head toneck size ratio, and the size and external morphology of the proboscis, whichwas used as a key trait to differentiate M. leonina from the Northernelephant seal (M. angustirostris). The observations of M. leoninain Ecuador highlight an extreme movement covering an assumed total distance ofapproximately 8000?km from the circumpolar region. The cold event ?LaNi?a? with sea surface temperature anomalies ranging ??1.5??C to??0.5??C in October 2017 likely triggered the extralimital movements ofthese animals.ConclusionRecurring observations of M. leonina in the GuayaquilGulf suggest the importance of this highly productive region and tropicalestuarine-riverine habitats as temporary haulout sites for resting. These newfindings indicate that vagrant individuals influenced by oceanographic eventsand eco-physiological processes are reaching this region more frequently thanpreviously thought. Date of publication: Published online on June 20, 2018Links: https://rdcu.be/1dnP https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s41200-018-0149-y Jim?nez, P.J., Alava, J.J., Castro, C., Samaniego, J. and Fair, P. 2018. Stranding of Small Cetaceans with Missing Fins Raises Concerns on Cetacean Conservation in Ecuador: Bycatch or Targeted Fisheries?. International Journal of Fisheries Science and Research 2(1): 1006. AbstractAmong anthropogenic threats to marine mammals, bycatch is one of the major and increasing concerns. Thisreport describes three species of small cetaceans, including a short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinusdelphis), a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), and two dwarf sperm whales (Kogia sima), which were found stranded with pectoral fins, dorsal fins and caudal fin removed. The dolphins were found at the beaches of San Jos? de Las Nu?ez and San Pablo, respectively (Santa Elena Peninsula Province on 14 August 2017), while the dwarf sperm whales were found in Puerto Lop?z and Crucita (Manab? Province) in July 2014 and August 2015, respectively. Possible explanation for the dolphins and dwarf sperm whales missing fins support the event as a possible case of fishery interaction or bycatch with systematic removal of their fins. Although remnants of artisanal gillnets were not found near the two dolphin species, one of the dwarf sperm whales showed marks of artisanal gillnets on the body as evidence of bycatch. Trade of dolphin carcasses and their parts for bait by fishers cannot be ruled out as there is some evidence of this practice in the past. Both dolphins species are vulnerable species at the national level and commonly involved in incidental captures with gillnets of artisanal fisheries in Coastal Ecuador. Cetacean bycatch is a grave conservation problem affecting several cetacean species in Ecuador?s waters. Fisheries and environmental authorities must be vigilant and enforce actions to proactively mitigate possible anthropogenic impacts and promote environmental education activities in fishing communities to conserve vulnerable dolphin species in Ecuador?s waters. Further, to comply with new rules and regulations of the US Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) intended to reduce the bycatch of marine mammals in foreign commercial fishing operations that export fish and fish products to the United States, a regulatory program is urgently needed to mitigate and reduce fisheries interactions with marine mammals in Ecuador. Date of publication: Published on May 1, 2018 Link: http://smjournals.com/fisheries-science-research/in-press.php Best Wishes!! Juan Jose Alava ------------------------------------- Juan Jose Alava, PhD? Adjunct Professor Resource and Environmental Management, Faculty of Environment, Simon Fraser University 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6,Canada E-mail: jalavasa at sfu.ca Research Associate, Nippon Foundation- Nereus Program Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries Faculty of Science, The University of British Columbia AERL 313.02-2202 Main Mall | Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4 Canada http://oceans.ubc.ca/juan-jose-alava/?? https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Juan_Jose_Alava/contributions?ev=prf_act https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=J_hAHnwAAAAJ&hl=en -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jerome.spitz at univ-lr.fr Tue Sep 11 00:44:59 2018 From: jerome.spitz at univ-lr.fr (=?UTF-8?B?SsOpcsO0bWUgU3BpdHo=?=) Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2018 09:44:59 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Special issue on "Multidisciplinary Integrated Surveys" Message-ID: Dear all, We are pleased to announce the recent publication of a special issue on "Multidisciplinary Integrated Surveys" in Progress in Oceanography. https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/progress-in-oceanography/vol/166 This issue contains several papers dealing with marine mammals, such as: - Authier /et al/. *Exploring change in the relative abundance of marine megafauna in the Bay of Biscay, 2004?2016.* - Lambert /et al/. *Decadal stability in top predator habitat preferences in the Bay of Biscay.* - Petitgas /et al./*Ecosystem spatial structure revealed by integrated survey data* - Saavedra/et al/. *Assessing the environmental status of the short-beaked common dolphin (/Delphinus delphis/) in North-western Spanish waters using abundance trends and safe removal limits* - Spitz /et al/. P*rey consumption by cetaceans reveals the importance of energy-rich food webs in the Bay of Biscay.* All the best on behalf of all authors J?r?me Spitz Observatoire Pelagis, University of La Rochelle France -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From torr3 at yahoo.com Wed Sep 12 08:33:43 2018 From: torr3 at yahoo.com (Leigh Torres) Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2018 15:33:43 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [MARMAM] New paper: Use of drones for behavioral observation References: <231337261.4086315.1536766423858.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <231337261.4086315.1536766423858@mail.yahoo.com> Hello Colleagues, My co-authors and I are proud to announce our recent publication that demonstrates the added value of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS; drones) to the behavioral observation of marine megafauna, specifically marine mammals: Drone Up! Quantifying Whale Behavior From a New Perspective Improves Observational Capacity.?Torres, L. G., S. L. Nieukirk, L. Lemos and T. E. Chandler. 2018.?Frontiers in Marine Science 5. The paper is open access and is freely accesible for download here: http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmars.2018.00319/full?&utm_source=Email_to_authors_&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=T1_11.5e1_author&utm_campaign=Email_publication&field=&journalName=Frontiers_in_Marine_Science&id=394495 The paper also includes a supplementary material of behavioral video clips of gray whale behaviors observed via the drone. Cheers,Leigh Abstract:During traditional boat-based surveys of marine megafauna, behavioral observations are typically limited to records of animal surfacings obtained from a horizontal perspective. Achieving an aerial perspective has been restricted to brief helicopter or airplane based observations that are costly, noisy, and risky. The emergence of commercial small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) has significantly reduced these constraints to provide a stable, relatively quiet, and inexpensive platform that enables replicate observations for prolonged periods with minimal disturbance. The potential of UAS for behavioral observation appears immense, yet quantitative proof of utility as an observational tool is required. We use UAS footage of gray whales foraging in the coastal waters of Oregon, United States to develop video behavior analysis methods, determine the change in observation time enabled by UAS, and describe unique behaviors observed via UAS. Boat-based behavioral observations from 53 gray whale sightings between May and October 2016 were compared to behavioral data extracted from video analysis of UAS flights during those sightings. We used a DJI Phantom 3 Pro or 4 Advanced, recorded video from an altitude ?25 m, and detected no behavioral response by whales to the UAS. Two experienced whale ethologists conducted UAS video behavioral analysis, including tabulation of whale behavior states and events, and whale surface time and whale visible time (total time the whale was visible including underwater). UAS provided three times more observational capacity than boat-based observations alone (300 vs. 103 min). When observation time is accounted for, UAS data provided more and longer observations of all primary behavior states (travel, forage, social, and rest) relative to boat-based data, especially foraging. Furthermore, UAS enable documentation of multiple novel gray whale foraging tactics (e.g., headstands:?n?= 58; side-swimming:?n?= 17; jaw snapping and flexing:?n?= 10) and 33 social events (nursing and pair coordinated surfacings) not identified from boat-based observation. This study demonstrates the significant added value of UAS to marine megafauna behavior and ecological studies. With technological advances, robust study designs, and effective analytical tools, we foresee increased UAS applications to marine megafauna studies to elucidate foraging strategies, habitat associations, social patterns, and response to human disturbance. Leigh Torres, PhD. Assistant Professor; Oregon Sea Grant Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Marine Mammal Institute Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center 2030 SE Marine Science Drive Newport, OR 97365, U.S.A 541-867-0895 Webpage: http://mmi.oregonstate.edu/gemm-lab Lab blog: http://blogs.oregonstate.edu/gemmlab/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From eric.angel.ramos at gmail.com Wed Sep 12 10:08:31 2018 From: eric.angel.ramos at gmail.com (Eric Ramos) Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2018 13:08:31 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] New article on responses of dolphins and manatees to small unmanned aerial systems Message-ID: Greetings MARMAM, My colleagues and I are pleased to announce the publication of our newest article on the responses of dolphins and manatees to small drones out today titled ?Bottlenose Dolphins and Antillean Manatees Respond to Small Multi-Rotor Unmanned Aerial Systems? in *Frontier's in Marine Science*: *Marine Megafauna* as part of their research topic *Integrating Emerging Technologies into Marine Megafauna Conservation Management*. The article is open access and free to download below: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2018.00316 Ramos, E.A., Maloney, B.M., Magnasco, M.O. and Reiss, D., 2018. Bottlenose Dolphins and Antillean Manatees Respond to Small Multi-Rotor Unmanned Aerial Systems. *Frontiers in Marine Science*, *5*, p.316. Abstract Unmanned aerial systems (UASs) are powerful tools for research and monitoring of wildlife. However, the effects of these systems on most marine mammals are largely unknown, preventing the establishment of guidelines that will minimize animal disturbance. In this study, we evaluated the behavioral responses of coastal bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) to small multi-rotor UAS flight. From 2015 to 2017, we piloted 211 flights using DJI quadcopters (Phantom II Vision +, 3 Professional and 4) to approach and follow animals over shallow-water habitats in Belize. The quadcopters were equipped with high-resolution cameras to observe dolphins during 138 of these flights, and manatees during 73 flights. Aerial video observations of animal behavior were coded and paired with flight data to determine whether animal activity and/or the UAS's flight patterns caused behavioral changes in exposed animals. Dolphins responded to UAS flight at altitudes of 11?30 m and responded primarily when they were alone or in small groups. Single dolphins and one pair responded to the UAS by orienting upward and turning toward the aircraft to observe it, before quickly returning to their pre-response activity. A higher number of manatees responded to the UAS, exhibiting strong disturbance in response to the aircraft from 6 to 104 m. Manatees changed their behavior by fleeing the area and sometimes this elicited the same response in nearby animals. If pursued post-response, manatees repeatedly responded to overhead flight by evading the aircraft's path. These findings suggest that the invasiveness of UAS varies across individuals, species, and taxa. We conclude that careful exploratory research is needed to determine the impact of multi-rotor UAS flight on diverse species, and to develop best practices aimed at reducing the disturbance to wildlife that may result from their use. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at: eric.angel.ramos at gmail.com Best, Eric Angel Ramos Ph.D. Candidate Animal Behavior & Comparative Psychology The Graduate Center, City University of New York eric.angel.ramos at gmail.com 347-336-5567 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From pirotts at libero.it Wed Sep 12 11:37:51 2018 From: pirotts at libero.it (Enrico Pirotta) Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2018 20:37:51 +0200 (CEST) Subject: [MARMAM] New review article on the population consequences of disturbance (PCoD) Message-ID: <513787088.161638.1536777471905@mail.libero.it> Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the following review of the applications of the population consequences of disturbance (PCoD) framework is now available online: Enrico Pirotta, Cormac G. Booth, Daniel P. Costa, Erica Fleishman, Scott D. Kraus, David Lusseau, David Moretti, Leslie F. New, Robert S. Schick, Lisa K. Schwarz, Samantha E. Simmons, Len Thomas, Peter L. Tyack, Michael J. Weise, Randall S. Wells and John Harwood (2018). Understanding the population consequences of disturbance. Ecology and Evolution. Abstract: Managing the nonlethal effects of disturbance on wildlife populations has been a long?term goal for decision makers, managers, and ecologists, and assessment of these effects is currently required by European Union and United States legislation. However, robust assessment of these effects is challenging. The management of human activities that have nonlethal effects on wildlife is a specific example of a fundamental ecological problem: how to understand the population?level consequences of changes in the behavior or physiology of individual animals that are caused by external stressors. In this study, we review recent applications of a conceptual framework for assessing and predicting these consequences for marine mammal populations. We explore the range of models that can be used to formalize the approach and we identify critical research gaps. We also provide a decision tree that can be used to select the most appropriate model structure given the available data. The implementation of this framework has moved the focus of discussion of the management of nonlethal disturbances on marine mammal populations away from a rhetorical debate about defining negligible impact and toward a quantitative understanding of long?term population?level effects. Here we demonstrate the framework's general applicability to other marine and terrestrial systems and show how it can support integrated modeling of the proximate and ultimate mechanisms that regulate trait?mediated, indirect interactions in ecological communities, that is, the nonconsumptive effects of a predator or stressor on a species' behavior, physiology, or life history. A PDF copy of the paper can be downloaded from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ece3.4458 Please do not hesitate to contact me for any question regarding our work. Best Regards, Enrico Pirotta -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ler4 at st-andrews.ac.uk Thu Sep 13 10:47:23 2018 From: ler4 at st-andrews.ac.uk (Luke Rendell) Date: Thu, 13 Sep 2018 17:47:23 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] =?windows-1252?q?New_publication=3A_Tail_walking_in_a_bo?= =?windows-1252?q?ttlenose_dolphin_community=3A_the_rise_and_fall_of_an_ar?= =?windows-1252?q?bitrary_cultural_=91fad=92?= Message-ID: Dear colleagues, The following paper was published online last week: Tail walking in a bottlenose dolphin community: the rise and fall of an arbitrary cultural ?fad? M. Bossley, A. Steiner, P. Brakes, J. Shrimpton, C. Foster & L. Rendell Published 5 September 2018. DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2018.0314 Abstract Social learning of adaptive behaviour is widespread in animal populations, but the spread of arbitrary behaviours is less common. In this paper, we describe the rise and fall of a behaviour called tail walking, where a dolphin forces the majority of its body vertically out of the water and maintains the position by vigourously pumping its tail, in a community of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). The behaviour was introduced into the wild following the rehabilitation of a wild female individual, Billie, who was temporarily co-housed with trained dolphins in a dolphinarium. This individual was sighted performing the behaviour seven years after her 1988 release, as was one other female dolphin named Wave. Initial production of the behaviour was rare, but following Billie's death two decades after her release, Wave began producing the behaviour at much higher rates, and several other dolphins in the community were subsequently sighted performing the behaviour. Social learning is the most likely mechanism for the introduction and spread of this unusual behaviour, which has no known adaptive function. These observations demonstrate the potential strength of the capacity for spontaneous imitation in bottlenose dolphins, and help explain the origin and spread of foraging specializations observed in multiple populations of this genus. Full paper: http://rsbl.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/14/9/20180314 Data and code: https://osf.io/xjmdt/ Open access post-print accepted manuscript: https://bit.ly/2QnbMDY Best wishes, Luke -- Dr. Luke Rendell MASTS (masts.ac.uk) Reader in Biology Tel: (44)(0)1334 463499 E-mail: ler4 at st-andrews.ac.uk WWW: http://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/staff/ler4 School of Biology, University of St. Andrews Sir Harold Mitchell Building, St. Andrews, Fife KY16 9TH U.K. The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland (SC013532) From interns at aimm-portugal.org Thu Sep 13 11:41:02 2018 From: interns at aimm-portugal.org (AIMM Internships) Date: Thu, 13 Sep 2018 19:41:02 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL - LAST PLACES Message-ID: *DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL* *BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from May 1 - October 31, 2018. The minimum internship attendance is 7 days, preferably starting on a Monday. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos, or in opportunistic platforms (commercial dolphin-watching boats). Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions and seat availability in the dolphin-watching boats. Field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer, but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: ? Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; ? Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; ? Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.; ? Collection of photo to photo-identification, acoustic recording, and underwater videos while on-board. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on internship fees for the 2018 season, please contact: interns at aimm-portugal.org *Included* in the fee is: ? Accommodation in the research house; ? Transportation to/from the marina; ? Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); ? Fieldwork in the research vessel or commercial dolphin-watching vessels. *Not included* in the fee is: ? Transportation to/from Albufeira; ? Meals in restaurants and snacks; ? Free time activities; ? Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); ? Personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* ? Be above the age of 16; ? Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; ? Be autonomous and flexible; ? Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; ? Speak English; ? Participate for minimum 7 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: ? Relevant marine mammal field experience ? Working experience on research vessels ? Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms ? Experience in photo-identification ? Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID ? Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: * Applicants should fill up the online application at: www.aimmportugal.org/dolphin-research-internship AIMM will send a confirmation e-mail with all the details about the internship and asking for your Resume/CV, motivation letter (small statement on which are your expectations and why do you want to work with AIMM) and the period of time that you want do the program. OR Applicants should send an e-mail to: interns at aimm-portugal.org, with the subject ?*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP*?. You will receive and e-mail with the availability and all the others details. Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. *Contacts*: interns at aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | Regards, Andr? Cid -- AIMM - Associa??o para Investiga??o do Meio Marinho *Marine Environment Research Association* Website: www.aimmportugal.org Youtube: https://Youtube/AIMMPortugal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AIMM.org/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/aimmportugal_org Twitter: https://twitter.com/AIMMPortugal -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kdudzinski at dolphincommunicationproject.org Fri Sep 14 06:53:00 2018 From: kdudzinski at dolphincommunicationproject.org (Kathleen M. Dudzinski) Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2018 09:53:00 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Aquatic Mammals issue 44.5 available online, including a tribute to Jeanette Thomas Message-ID: <57FB985F-2F68-4C6D-8916-D60AC578E90A@dolphincommunicationproject.org> 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 44, issue 5, 2018) of Aquatic Mammals. Please note that this issue features a tribute to Dr. Jeanette Thomas, 4th managing editor of Aquatic Mammals. Please also visit the supplemental materials page of the web site to see two videos of Jeanette from the journal?s Historical Perspectives series. Links to a purchase page for each article are included below. For individuals with a print subscription, the double print copy of 44.5/44.6 will be mailed in November. 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/ To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards, Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals Journal business at aquaticmammalsjournal.org aquaticmammals at gmail.com Robert M. Timm et al. (2018). In Memoriam: Jeanette A. Thomas Followed by Memories from Jeanette?s Family and Colleagues. Aquatic Mammals, 44(5), 459-468. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.459 Maria E. Rechimont, Ana L. Lara-Dom?nguez, Eduardo Morteo, Ibiza Mart?nez-Serrano, and Miguel Equihua. (2018). Depredation by Coastal Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Southwestern Gulf of Mexico in Relation to Fishing Techniques. Aquatic Mammals, 44(5), 469-481. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.469 Jennifer E. Flower, Jennifer N. Langan, Benjamin N. Nevitt, Sathya K. Chinnadurai, Rita Stacey, Marina Ivan?i?, and Michael J. Adkesson. (2018). Neonatal Critical Care and Hand-Rearing of a Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Calf. Aquatic Mammals, 44(5), 482-490. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.482 Mark A. Grace, Laura Aichinger Dias, Katherine Maze-Foley, Carrie Sinclair, Keith D. Mullin, Lance Garrison, and Lauren Noble. (2018). Cookiecutter Shark Bite Wounds on Cetaceans of the Gulf of Mexico. Aquatic Mammals, 44(5), 491-499. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.491 Lauren Mazikowski, Heather M. Hill, and Michael Noonan. (2018). Young Belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) Exhibit Sex-Specific Social Affiliations. Aquatic Mammals, 44(5), 500-505. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.500 Raphaela Stimmelmayr and Douglas Borchman. (2018). Lens Lipidomes Among Phocidae and Odobenidae. Aquatic Mammals, 44(5), 506-518. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.506 Manuela Zadravec, Zvonimir Kozari?, Snje?ana Ku?ir, Mario Mitak, Tomislav Gomer?i?, Miroslav Beni?, and Martina ?uras. (2018). Whale Poaching Detection Based on Microscopic Characteristics of Bottlenose Dolphins? (Tursiops truncatus) Bone Fragments. Aquatic Mammals, 44(5), 519-528. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.519 Giacomo Franci and Annalisa Berta. (2018). Relative Growth of the Skull of the Common Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) Using a 3D Laser Surface Scanner. Aquatic Mammals, 44(5), 529-537. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.529 Yuka Mishima, Tadamichi Morisaka, Yuki Mishima, Tadashi Sunada, and Yoshinori Miyamoto. (2018). Redefinition and Sexual Difference of Contact Calls in Belugas (Delphinapterus leucas). Aquatic Mammals, 44(5), 538-554. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.538 Eric E. Pulis, Randall S. Wells, Gregory S. Schorr, David C. Douglas, Mystera M. Samuelson, and Moby Solangi. (2018). Movements and Dive Patterns of Pygmy Killer Whales (Feresa attenuata) Released in the Gulf of Mexico Following Rehabilitation. Aquatic Mammals, 44(5), 555-567. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.555 Marie Christine M. Obusan, Lemnuel V. Aragones, Windell L. Rivera, and Maria Auxilia T. Siringan. (2018). Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Bacteria Isolated from Cetaceans Stranded in the Philippines. Aquatic Mammals, 44(5), 568-579. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.568 James P. Estes. (2018). Historical Perspectives: The History and Future of Marine Mammal Ecology. Aquatic Mammals, 44(5), 580-594. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.580 Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara. (2018). Book Review: Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals. Aquatic Mammals, 44(5), 595-596. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.595 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From eknight at pewtrusts.org Fri Sep 14 11:21:12 2018 From: eknight at pewtrusts.org (Emily Knight) Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2018 18:21:12 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Webinar invite for the MARMAM listserv: Climate Change and the Oceanography of North Atlantic Right Whales Message-ID: <5df63c90a9e34dd29867e6a875ceb17c@pewtrusts.org> POST for MARMAM listserv: The Lenfest Ocean Program will host a webinar on Wednesday, September 26 at 2:00 PM Eastern time/11:00 AM Pacific time to share information about a new research project we have funded to understand if climate-driven shifts in food availability are altering the demography of North Atlantic right whales (NARW). The webinar will feature the research team, including Dr. Chuck Greene, Cornell University, Dr. Erin Meyer-Gutbrod, University of California, Santa Barbara, and Dr. Kimberley Davies, Dalhousie University. The team will provide an overview of the project and the products they plan to produce over the next two years. Instructions to register for and join the webinar are provided below. To learn more about the project, download a fact sheet here. Don't hesitate to contact me (Emily Knight, Manager, Lenfest Ocean Program, eknight at pewtrusts.org) if you have any questions, and please forward this invitation to anyone that may be interested. Best, Emily Webinar Instructions: Date: Wednesday, September 26, 2018 Time: 2:00 PM Eastern time/11:00 AM Pacific time For remote access: Please fill out the registration form before the event is scheduled to begin. Event number: 796 610 511 Event password: rightwhales2018 For teleconference audio after you join the webinar, either: 1. Select "Call Using Computer" 2. Select "Call me" and provide your phone number (recommended) 3. Call the number below and enter the access code. * In the U.S. and Canada, dial 1-855-214-7745. * Enter conference code 609 216 9542 * After dialing the conference code, be sure to enter the Attendee ID that will appear on your screen. You will not be prompted to do so. Emily Knight Manager, Lenfest Ocean Program [LenfestOceanProgram-Logo-Color-(2)] 901 E Street NW, 10th Floor Washington, DC 20004 SIGN UP FOR LENFEST OCEAN NEWS w: 202-540-6389 | c: 202-384-6534 | e: eknight at pewtrusts.org www.lenfestocean.org|twitter: @lenfestocean -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 9934 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From Bill.Greer at MyFWC.com Fri Sep 14 17:47:54 2018 From: Bill.Greer at MyFWC.com (Greer, Bill) Date: Sat, 15 Sep 2018 00:47:54 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Biological Scientist- Manatee Research and Rescue Job Posting Message-ID: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/MELBOURNE-BEACH-OPS-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-I-F-77902141-FL-32951/505222400/ Requisition No: 44308 Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - F - 77902141 Position Number: 77902141 Salary: $13.50/hour Posting Closing Date: 09/28/2018 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 availability and you must meet eligibility requirements) ? Deferred Compensation - voluntary ? Employee Assistance Program ? voluntary WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? ? Any form of paid leave ? Paid holidays ? Participation in the Florida Retirement System ? Reinstatement rights or retention rights Description of Job Duties: This position will assist in the coordination of salvage and recovery efforts of marine mammal carcasses for the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) East Central Field Laboratory. The incumbent will serve as member of FWC?s manatee necropsy team conducting field and laboratory necropsies on manatee and other marine mammal carcasses, record observations and complete associated necropsy reports. This position will recover marine mammal carcasses for necropsy from the East Central region (coastal and inland waterways of southern Volusia County through Indian River County) of Florida and assist in manatee rescue and transport operations in the East Central region as well as assist with manatee rescue and capture operations away from designated area as needed. This position will be responsible for preparation and labeling of sample containers, carcass disposal, and cleaning of equipment and instruments. This position will be responsible for managing the East Central region?s intern and volunteer network which includes identifying candidates, interviewing, tracking their effort and training when needed. This position will be responsible for deployment, retrieval, maintenance and data collection of temperature probes throughout the winter months. This position will be responsible for assisting with other East Central regions projects such as photo identification and assisting with basic maintenance of vehicles, trailers and vessels as well purchasing needs and other tasks as assigned by supervisor. This position will assist with aerial surveys for manatees as needed. This position will have an assigned work schedule of Tuesday to Saturday (8:00 am-5:00 pm) and will be asked to respond to marine mammal emergencies and carcasses outside of normal work schedule as needed or assigned. This position will serve in a rotation with other East Central staff members for the purpose of covering the East Central Region during state holidays. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of the Florida Manatee Recovery Plan and state and federal legislation protecting manatees Knowledge of methods of data collection and principles and techniques of research and analysis Knowledge of marine mammal anatomy and necropsy techniques Knowledge of digital SLR cameras, filters, and lenses Knowledge of marine mammal capture, handling, and transport techniques Able to trailer flatbeds/utility trailers and watercraft vessels Able to safely operate watercraft vessels 26? in length and smaller Be capable of daily manual labor requiring handling of heavy and sharp objects and working under unpleasant conditions Must be physically fit, able to vertically lift at least 75 lbs, and be able to swim sufficiently to save oneself Able to conduct fieldwork in all weather conditions Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships Be comfortable speaking to the public Possess or be able to obtain and maintain a Florida driver?s license within a month of employment Minimum Requirements: A bachelor?s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences. Preferred Experience: Applicants having live and dead marine mammal stranding/necropsy experience may be given preference. Experience with dissection, pathology, or animal necropsies and data management, is preferred. Applicants having photo-id collection experience in the field may be given preference. Applicants with experience working alongside unpaid volunteers and interns may be given preference. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). 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. Nearest Major Market: Melbourne -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From raquelpuiglozano at gmail.com Mon Sep 17 03:05:39 2018 From: raquelpuiglozano at gmail.com (RAQUEL PUIG LOZANO) Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2018 11:05:39 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] New article of foreign body ingestion in stranded cetaceans, Canary Islands Message-ID: Greetings MARMAM, My colleagues and I are pleased to announce the publication of our newest article on the ingesti?n of foreign bodies (marine debris) in stranded cetaceans in the Canary Islands titled *?Retrospective study of foreign body-associated pathology in stranded cetaceans, Canary Islands (2000-2015)?* in *Environmental Pollution 243 (2018) 519-527https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2018.09.012 * The article is open access and free to download below: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749118318785 R. Puig-Lozano, Y. Bernaldo de Quir?s, J. D?az-Delgado, N. Garc?a-?lvarez, E. Sierra, J. De la Fuente, S. Sacchini, CM. Su?rez-Santana, D. Zucca, N. C?mara, P. Saavedra, J. Almunia, M.A. Rivero, A. Fern?ndez, M. Arbelo. Abstract: Marine pollution, overrepresented by plastic, is a growing concern worldwide. However, there is little knowledge on occurrence and detrimental impacts of marine debris in cetaceans. To partially fill in this gap of knowledge, we aimed to investigate the occurrence and pathologies associated with foreign bodies (FBs) in a large cohort of cetaceans (n=465) stranded in the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands shelter the greatest cetacean biodiversity in Europe, with up to 30 different species, of which nine are regularly present year around. We found at least one ingested FB in 36 out of 465 (7.74%) studied cetaceans, involving 15 different species, including eight out of the nine (80%) cetacean species present year-round in the Canary Islands. Risso's dolphin was the species most affected, followed by sperm whale, beaked whale and mysticetes. Plastic FB were the most common item found (80.56%). FB was directly associated with death in 13/36 (36.11%) animals. Poor body condition and deep diving behavior were found to be risk factors for FB ingestion, whereas the adult age was a protective factor. To the authors knowledge this is the first study that use statistical analysis to investigate risk and protective factors for FB ingestion. This study also provides insights of the potential impact caused by ingested FBs on the animal's health and mortality. This knowledge is critical to better understand and assess the impact of FB in cetaceans setting the scientific basis for prospective impact monitoring and future conservation policies. Kind regards, Raquel Puig Lozano and Yara Bernaldo de Quir?s. *Raquel Puig Lozano* *Centro Atl?ntico de Investigaci?n de Cet?ceos,* *Instituto Universitario de Sanidad Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria,* *Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.* *Campus Universitario Cardones de Arucas,* *35413 Arucas, Gran Canaria* *Espa?a* *Tel?fono de contacto: 616150322.* -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From simocephalus at gmail.com Mon Sep 17 07:18:11 2018 From: simocephalus at gmail.com (Simone Cominelli) Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2018 11:48:11 -0230 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: Noise exposure from commercial shipping for the southern resident killer whale population Message-ID: My colleagues and I are pleased to announce the recent publication of our article ?Noise exposure from commercial shipping for the southern resident killer whale population? in Marine Pollution Bulletin. Cominelli, S., Devillers, R., Yurk, H., MacGillivray, A., McWhinnie, L., Canessa, R., 2018. Noise exposure from commercial shipping for the southern resident killer whale population. Marine Pollution Bulletin 136, 177?200. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.08.050 The article has free access for the next 50 days, and can be downloaded by following the link below: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1XjrR,ashq8AX *Abstract: *This study assesses vessel-noise exposure levels for Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) in the Salish Sea. Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) was used to delineate SRKW summer core areas. Those areas were combined with the output of a regional cumulative noise model describing sound level variations generated by commercial vessels (1/3-octave-bands from 10?Hz to 63.1?kHz). Cumulative distribution functions were used to evaluate SRKW's noise exposure from 15 vessel categories over three zones located within the KDE. Median cumulative noise values were used to group categories based on the associated exposure levels. Ferries, Tugboats, Vehicle Carriers, Recreational Vessels, Containers, and Bulkers showed high levels of exposure (Leq?50th?>?90 dB re 1??Pa) within SRKW core areas. Management actions aiming at reducing SRKW noise exposure during the summer should target the abovementioned categories and take into consideration the spatial distribution of their levels of exposure, their mechanical and their operational characteristics. If you have any questions or would like a pdf copy of the publication, please feel free to contact me at simocephalus at gmail.com Best, Simone Cominelli Marine Geomatics Research Lab, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Science Building, SN-1027, St. John?s, NL, Canada, A1B 3X9 Phone: (709) 864-3097 Email: simocephalus at gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From info at tideenvironmental.com Mon Sep 17 07:33:18 2018 From: info at tideenvironmental.com (Tide Env) Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2018 10:33:18 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Manatee / Endangered Species Observer (Paid) - Immediate positions available Message-ID: Tide Environmental is recruiting individuals to monitor for manatees for in-water construction projects within Florida waters. Endangered species observers monitor the impacts of ESA-listed species, including any potential interactions with or takes of those species. Tide Environmental specializes in providing individuals for marine construction projects when regulations deem there is a potential impact to Endangered or Threatened Species. We are seeking numerous individuals for the position of Manatee Observer and/or Endangered Species Observer. Individuals are being sought for shore and vessel based projects monitoring for manatee, sea turtles, and other protected species of interest in conjunction with current dredging projects. Applicants with prior NMFS Protected/Endangered Species approval will be given preference. Applicants *must* have experience observing manatees in the wild. Applicants possessing both manatee and sea turtle qualifications are desirable. *Beginning Date*: October 2018 *Minimum Requirements*: ? Must have documented experience working with manatees ? Must have or be able to obtain NMFS Endangered Species Approval ? Must possess or be able to obtain a TWIC card for access to job sites ? Must be able to work 12 hour shifts for 21-30 days in a row with no days off (including holidays) ? Must be in good physical shape and able to stand for hours at a time, climb ladders, lift 50lbs, board vessels at sea, and operate in a safe manner ? Must be detailed oriented and possess good communication skills ? Must have reliable transportation and will be responsible for your own travel to job locations ? Must be able to provide your own transportation from the housing location to/from the project site ? Must be able to travel on short notice ? Maintain objectivity and work independently ? Must be able to work with ship and construction crews ? Must reside within the continental U.S. ? B.S. in Marine Biology or related field (specialized experience may substitute for educational experience) *Experience*: ? Extensive, documented *HANDS-ON manatee* experience is *mandatory* to be considered ? Ability to identify sea turtle and marine mammals to species level ? Detailed data collection ? Previous observing experience monitoring manatees and their behaviors in association with in-water construction projects ? Necropsy experience is a plus This is an Independent Contractor position. As an Independent Contractor travel to/from projects is the responsibility of the observer, there are no benefits, and taxes are the responsibility of the observer. You will be issued a 1099 at the end of each year for taxes. Housing is provided at the project location. Individuals possessing the above criteria are asked to submit the following to info at tideenvironmental.com ? Resume/CV detailing your relevant experience ? Immediate availability ? References -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From acsoffice at acsonline.org Mon Sep 17 10:05:21 2018 From: acsoffice at acsonline.org (acsoffice at acsonline.org) Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2018 13:05:21 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [MARMAM] ACS Conference Early Registration Deadline Extended to 9/22 Message-ID: <1537203921.133117284@webmail.emailsrvr.com> Dearest MARMAM subscribers, The Early Registration deadline has been extended a week, to September 22nd, for early registration for our 16th biennial international conference of the American Cetacean Society, Whales & Us: The Next Generation. ACS's international conference is a highly respected gathering of scientists, educators, conservationists, students, hobbyists and anyone with an interest in cetaceans and their diverse ocean environments. This conference will focus on the future of whale, dolphin and porpoise conservation, and activities will include speaker sessions with world-renowned experts, a poster session including a student research poster contest, a student-scientist networking event, a whale documentary screening with a Q&A panel with the Director and several featured scientists, a photography contest, a silent auction, book signings, an art show, vendor exhibits, and much more. We will also hold our traditional pre-conference all-day whale watching trip on Friday, November 2nd, and will venture out into the rich southern California waters between Catalina Island and Orange County. More information, including a draft program, can be found at our conference website here: [ https://www.acsonline.org/2018-conference ]( https://www.acsonline.org/2018-conference ) [ ]( https://www.acsonline.org/2018-conference ) Thank you so much everyone, and we hope to see you there! The American Cetacean Society -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From klomacmacnair at gmail.com Tue Sep 18 02:48:44 2018 From: klomacmacnair at gmail.com (Kate Lomac-MacNair) Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2018 05:48:44 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] New Publication: Seal Occurrence and Habitat Use during Summer in Petermann Fjord, Northwestern Greenland Message-ID: We are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper: Lomac-MacNair, K., Jakobsson, M., Mix, A., Freire, F., Hogan, K., Mayer, L., and Smultea, M.A. 2018. Seal Occurrence and Habitat Use during Summer in Petermann Fjord, Northwestern Greenland. Arctic 71(3): 334-348 https://doi.org/10.14430/arctic4735 ABSTRACT Ice-associated seals are considered especially susceptible and are potentially the first to modify distribution and habitat use in response to physical changes associated with the changing climate. Petermann Glacier, part of a unique ice-tongue fjord environment in a rarely studied region of northwestern Greenland, lost substantial sections of its ice tongue during major 2010 and 2012 calving events. As a result, changes in seal habitat may have occurred. Seal occurrence and distribution data were collected in Petermann Fjord and adjacent Nares Strait region over 27 days (2 to 28 August) during the multidisciplinary scientific Petermann 2015 Expedition on the icebreaker Oden. During 239.4 hours of dedicated observation effort, a total of 312 individuals were recorded, representing four species: bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus), hooded seal (Crystophora cristata), harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus), and ringed seal (Pusa hispida). Ringed seals were recorded significantly more than the other species (?2 = 347.4, df = 3, p < 0.001, n = 307). We found significant differences between species in haul-out (resting on ice) behavior (?2 = 133.1, df = 3, p < 0.001, n = 307). Bearded seals were more frequently hauled out (73.1% n = 49), whereas ringed seals were almost exclusively in water (93.9%, n = 200). Differences in average depth and ice coverage where species occurred were also significant: harp seals and bearded seals were found in deeper water and areas of greater ice coverage (harp seals: 663 ? 366 m and 65 ? 14% ice cover; bearded seals: 598 ? 259 m and 50 ? 21% ice cover), while hooded seals and ringed seals were found in shallower water with lower ice coverage (hooded seals: 490 ? 163 m and 38 ? 19% ice cover; ringed seals: 496 ? 235 m, and 21 ? 20% ice cover). Our study provides an initial look at how High Arctic seals use the rapidly changing Petermann Fjord and how physical variables influence their distribution in one of the few remaining ice-tongue fjord environments. Our paper is available online at: https://arctic.journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/arctic/index.php/arctic/issue/view /299 Or via e-mail request to klomacmacnair at gmail.com Cheers, Kate Lomac-MacNair PhD Candidate Center of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal 907.306.7870 klomacmacnair at gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nick.farmer at noaa.gov Tue Sep 18 06:09:30 2018 From: nick.farmer at noaa.gov (Nick Farmer - NOAA Federal) Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2018 09:09:30 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] New Paper - Sperm Whale PCOD Message-ID: Dear colleagues, I'm pleased to announce the publication of a new manuscript: Farmer NA, Baker K, Zeddies DG, Denes SL, Noren DP, Garrison LP, Machernis A, Foug?res EM, Zykov M (2018) *Population consequences of disturbance by offshore oil and gas activity for endangered sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). *Biological Conservation, 227:189-204. *Abstract* Sperm whale (*Physeter macrocephalus*) populations are still recovering from massive population declines associated with commercial whaling operations. The species continues to face a suite of contemporary threats, including pollution, ship strikes, fisheries interactions, habitat loss and degradation, oil spills , and anthropogenic noise. The sperm whale stock in the northern Gulf of Mexico was exposed to oil from the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill and is exposed to high levels of anthropogenic noises generated by geological and geophysical (G&G) surveys for hydrocarbon deposits. Population impacts from oil and gas activities were predicted from models that incorporated two stressors: (i) oil exposure from DWH and (ii) noise from G&G surveys. Oil exposure was projected to reduce survival and reproductive success , causing a mean stock decline of 26% by 2025. Additionally, exposure to underwater noise can adversely impact whale hearing, communication, foraging efficiency, and disturb essential behaviors. Exposures to G&G survey noise were determined by simulating individual movements through three-dimensional sound fields generated by different survey methods . Behavioral disturbance was evaluated as reduced foraging opportunities under four dose-response functions. Bioenergetic models tracked the depletion of reserves in blubber, muscle, and viscera . All simulations suggested significant reductions in relative fitness of reproductive females were a likely consequence of persistent disturbances to foraging behaviors . Under a 160?dB SPL unweighted dose-response function, up to 4.4???0.3% of the stock may reach terminal starvation due to behavioral disturbance associated with future G&G surveys, leading to abortions, calf abandonment, and up to 25% greater stock declines beyond those predicted from DWH oil exposure. Uncertainty in our results emphasizes a need for further controlled exposure experiments to generate behavioral disturbance dose-response curves and detailed evaluation of individual resilience following disturbance events. Given our focus on a limited suite of threats and need for field verification of these modeled impacts, precautionary management application of our results is recommended for this endangered species . https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1Xl8E1R~eAqre. The companion manuscript published in MEPS earlier this year: Farmer NA, Noren DP, Fougeres EM, Machernis A, Baker K (2018) *Resilience of endangered sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) to foraging disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico, USA: A bioenergetics approach. *Marine Ecology Progress Series, 589:241-261. https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v589/p241-261/ Best regards, *Nick* *Nicholas A. Farmer, Ph.D.* Chief, Species Conservation Protected Resources Division NOAA Fisheries , Southeast Regional Office 263 13th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 *727.551.5759 **nick.farmer at noaa.gov * Publications -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From galadrielent at yahoo.com Mon Sep 17 09:23:53 2018 From: galadrielent at yahoo.com (Sandra Smith Aguilar) Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2018 16:23:53 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [MARMAM] Analyzing social structure with multiplex networks. In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <554964168.6609172.1537201433707@mail.yahoo.com> Dear all, I'd like to share a recent publication on the use of multiplex networks for the analysis of social structure. The paper presents an analysis of spider monkey social structure but the methods are applicable to other social systems and might be of interest for studies with marine mammals. You can acces the online version through the link below or I can provide the text upon e-mail request. Smith Aguilar SE, Aureli F, Busia L,Schaffner CM, Ramos-Fern?ndez G (2018). ?Using multiplex networks to capturethe multidimensional nature of social structure?. Primates. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10329-018-0686-3 Using multiplex networks to capture the multidimensional nature of social structure | | | | Using multiplex networks to capture the multidimensional nature of socia... | | | ABSTRACT:Network analysis has increasingly expanded our understanding of social structure in primates and other animal species.However, most studies use networks representing only one interaction type, when social relationships (and the emerging social structure) are the result of many types of interactions and their interplay through time. The recent development of tools facilitating the integrated analysis of multiple interaction types using multiplex networks has opened the possibility of extending the insight provided by social network analysis. We use a multiplex representation of interactions among the members of a group of wild Geo?roy?s spider monkeys (Ateles geo?royi), to study their social structure. We constructed a six-layered multiplex network based on three indices of overt social interactions (aggression, embraces, grooming) and three distance-based indices (contact, proximity, and association). With tools provided by the MuxViz software, we assessed the relevance of including all six indices in our analysis, the role of individuals in the network (through node versatility), and the presence of modules and non-random triadic structures or motifs. The multiplex provided information which was not equivalent to any individual layer or to the simple aggregation of layers. Network patterns based on associations did not correspond with those observed for overt-interactions or for the multiplex structure. Males were the most versatile individuals, while multiplex modularity and motifs highlighted the relevance of di?erent interaction types for the overall connectivity of the network. We conclude that the multiplex approach improves on previous methods by retaining valuable information from each interaction type and how it is patterned among individuals. Regards, Sandra E. Smith-AguilarConservaci?n Biol?gica y Desarrollo Social ACM?xicogaladrielent at yahoo.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From s.barnicoat at seiche.com Tue Sep 18 03:11:38 2018 From: s.barnicoat at seiche.com (Stephanie Barnicoat) Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2018 10:11:38 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] PAM/PSO Training Nicholls state university Message-ID: Dear Colleagues, Seiche Training is holding a training course in Nicholls State University, New Orleans, USA, which provides Passive Acoustic Monitor (PAM) 18-20 October and Protected Species Observer (PSO) 21-22 October certification. The course will include a boat trip to provide experience in locating and identifying protected species at sea, as well as practice in methods for distance estimation. This PSO training is accredited by BOEM (Bureau of Ocean Energy Management) to provide Protected Species Observer certification for seismic surveys and is accepted in various other industries and regions where mitigation for marine mammals is needed. PSO/PAM operators monitor for marine mammals and sea turtles and advise on the measures required to reduce impacts to the animals worldwide. The PSO course looks at Noise in the ocean, the regulations for minimising risks to marine mammals during industrial activities, marine mammal identification and documenting animal behaviour, data collection and report writing. The PAM course includes an introduction into sound in water, looking at how sound propagates, marine mammal vocalisation using PAMGuard, with practical sessions and hardware set up, installing and deploying the equipment on a vessel. For both courses ?800, students ?740 (discount only valid with a student ID card) For additional information please email info at seichetraining.com [Seiche Ltd] Stephanie Barnicoat, BSc, MSc. Business Support Seiche Ltd Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom T: +44(0)1409 404050 E: s.barnicoat at seiche.com W: www.seiche.com Registered in England & Wales No. 3475558, Registered Office: The Custom House, The Strand, Barnstaple, Devon The information contained in this e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it, is privileged and confidential, and solely intended for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient you should not read, copy, distribute or otherwise use the information, and you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify sender immediately and delete this e-mail and attached documents. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image721000.png Type: image/png Size: 163840 bytes Desc: image721000.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image523001.png Type: image/png Size: 91 bytes Desc: image523001.png URL: From Alejandro.Acevedo-Gutierrez at wwu.edu Tue Sep 18 08:10:59 2018 From: Alejandro.Acevedo-Gutierrez at wwu.edu (Alejandro Acevedo-Gutierrez) Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2018 15:10:59 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: male preference for salmon in harbor seals Message-ID: Dear all My colleagues and I are pleased to announce the publication of the paper "Large scale molecular diet analysis in a generalist marine mammal reveals male preference for prey of conservation concern". Schwarz, D., Spitzer, S., Thomas, A., Kohnert, C., Keates, T. & Acevedo-Guti?rrez, A. 2018. Large scale molecular diet analysis in a generalist marine mammal reveals male preference for prey of conservation concern. Ecology and Evolution 2018, 1-17. DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4474. Abstract: Sex-specific diet information is important in the determination of predator impacts on prey populations. Unfortunately, the diet of males and females can be difficult to describe, particularly when they are marine predators. We combined two molecular techniques to describe haul-out use and prey preferences of male and female harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) from Comox and Cowichan Bay (Canada) during 2012?2013. DNA metabarcoding harbor seal scat, and qPCR determined the sex of the individual that deposited each scat. Using 287 female and 260 male samples, we compared the monthly sex ratio with GLMs and analyzed prey consumption relative to sex, season, site, and year with PERMANOVA. The sex ratio between monthly samples differed widely in both years (range = 12%?79% males) and showed different patterns at each haul-out site. Male and female diet differed across both years and sites: Females consumed a high proportion of demersal fish species while males consumed more salmonid species. Diet composition was related to both sex and season (PERMANOVA: R2 = 27%, p <0.001; R2 = 24%, p < 0.001, respectively) and their interaction (PERMANOVA: R2 = 11%, p <0.001). Diet differences between males and females were consistent across site and year, suggesting fundamental foraging differences, including that males may have a larger impact on salmonids than females. Our novel combination of techniques allowed for both prey taxonomic and spatiotemporal resolution unprecedented in marine predators. The paper is open access and available to read or download in the following link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ece3.4474 Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Cheers Alejandro Alejandro Acevedo-Gutierrez Professor in Biology and Science Education Western Washington University Alejandro.Acevedo-Gutierrez at wwu.edu acevedo at biol.wwu.edu -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From emily.condley at orcaweb.org.uk Tue Sep 18 08:02:47 2018 From: emily.condley at orcaweb.org.uk (Emily Condley) Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2018 15:02:47 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] ORCA Marine Mammal Surveyor Training Course Message-ID: Dear All, ORCA's unique, participative volunteer scheme enables members of the public to collect scientific data about whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans). This gives you the opportunity to contribute directly to vital conservation work. This certificated, fun and interesting course will give you all of the skills required to competently identify cetaceans at sea and take part in ORCA's scientifically recognised surveys on board ferries. ORCA's Marine Mammal Surveyor training course incorporates theoretical and practical training on marine mammal identification, organising and completing line-transect surveys as part of a team. With an international network of research vessels, ferries and cruise ships donating spaces to ORCA volunteers, this is a fantastic opportunity for you to participate in future whale and dolphin surveys. Please note that this is a classroom based course. Why complete the MMS training course? ORCA relies on a large and dedicated team of volunteer observers to carry out its research, but to achieve the standard required they request that they first complete an ORCA MMS training course. In return, ORCA provides its volunteers with a wide range of opportunities to take part in surveys, experience life at sea, encounter whales and dolphins as well as gain a greater understanding of ocean ecosystems and the threats to marine life. But, even if you don't plan to get involved with ORCA in the long-term this training course is designed as an excellent introduction to conducting wildlife surveys that are of scientific value and improve your species identification skills. There is still availability on the following courses: Oban - Saturday 13th October 2018 Newcastle - Saturday 17th November 2018 Plymouth - Saturday 24th November 2018 Southampton - Sunday 2nd December 2018 London - Thursday 24th January 2019 Portsmouth - Saturday 26th January 2019 To book a place visit www.orcaweb.org.uk/train. We look forward to seeing you at one of our courses! Best wishes, The ORCA team -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From burnhamr at uvic.ca Tue Sep 18 11:44:55 2018 From: burnhamr at uvic.ca (burnhamr at uvic.ca) Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2018 11:44:55 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] New gray whale acoustics paper Message-ID: <62d7f093326868c20de493eb4604c8c2.squirrel@wm3.uvic.ca> My colleagues and I are pleased to announce the publication of the paper Burnham, R.E, Duffus, D.A, Mouy, X. 2018. Gray Whale (Eschrictius robustus) Call Types Recorded During Migration off the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Frontiers in Marine Science, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2018.00329 Abstract Gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) vocalizing behavior varies over its range, both in call type and frequency. This study adds to the growing body of passive acoustic research outside of the calving/breeding lagoons, and moves toward a description of calling behaviors throughout the whales' range. Data are presented here from acoustic surveys for two northward and one southward migration, with recordings taken off the west coast of Vancouver Island. We found gray whales to be highly sonorous, with extensive calling during the study periods of February to May for northward migrations and September to the end of January for southward travel. Low frequency moans were the most prevalent call type, with others, including knocks, up- and down sweeps, and rumbles, recorded in varying numbers. We hypothesize that calling is an aid for navigation and orientation of the herd along the migration route, in addition to holding more social functions usually assigned to baleen whale calling. The paper is open access and can be found here: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2018.00329/full?&utm_source=Email_to_authors_&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=T1_11.5e1_author&utm_campaign=Email_publication&field=&journalName=Frontiers_in_Marine_Science&id=379541#h9 Rianna Burnham Whale Research Lab, UVic From jacob.levenson at boem.gov Wed Sep 19 05:21:43 2018 From: jacob.levenson at boem.gov (Levenson, Jacob) Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2018 08:21:43 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Developing the Next Generation of Animal Telemetry Message-ID: Colleagues, *NASA and the Department of Interior?s (DOI) Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management (BOEM) are working together to study the feasibility of accelerating technology development for what we?ve been referring to as the next generation of animal tracking. The idea is basically to widen the data pipe allowing for greater rates of data transfer from tagged animals, as well as improve the accuracy of tags which rely on Doppler effect for localization. As part of this project we?re holding a public competition from Sept. 12 to Nov. 8, 2018, to gather new ideas to improve upon the current system of data reception via cubesats. The challenge includes a total prize pool of up to $30,000. Submissions are due by 5:00 p.m., Nov 8, with winners to be announced in December. The competition website is: https://www.herox.com/animaltracking . This challenge is the first in a possible series of challenges addressing Next Generation Animal Tracking. Submissions to this initial challenge will be used to inform potential future challenges looking at solutions for an open system architecture and software integration.If you know of organizations that may be interested in entering, please do pass this along. Any questions, feel free to drop me a line anytime. Best,Jake* Jacob Levenson Marine Biologist U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Jacob.Levenson at boem.gov 703-787-1710 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kelly at dolphins.org Wed Sep 19 06:50:09 2018 From: kelly at dolphins.org (Kelly Jaakkola) Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2018 09:50:09 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication on cooperation in bottlenose dolphins Message-ID: Dear All, We are pleased to announce our new publication: Jaakkola K, Guarino E, Donegan K, King SL. 2018 Bottlenose dolphins can understand their partner?s role in a cooperative task. Proc. R. Soc. B 285: 20180948. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2018.0948 Abstract: In recent decades, a number of studies have examined whether various non-human animals understand their partner's role in cooperative situations. Yet the relatively tolerant timing requirements of these tasks make it theoretically possible for animals to succeed by using simple behavioural strategies rather than by jointly intended coordination. Here we investigated whether bottlenose dolphins could understand a cooperative partner's role by testing whether they could learn a button-pressing task requiring precise behavioural synchronization. Specifically, members of cooperative dyads were required to swim across a lagoon and each press their own underwater button simultaneously (within a 1 s time window), whether sent together or with a delay between partners of 1?20 s. We found that dolphins were able to work together with extreme precision even when they had to wait for their partner, and that their coordination improved over the course of the study, with the time between button presses in the latter trials averaging 370 ms. These findings show that bottlenose dolphins can learn to understand their partner's role in a cooperative situation, and suggest that the behavioural synchronization evident in wild dolphins' synchronous movement and coordinated alliance displays may be a generalized cognitive ability that can also be used to solve novel cooperative tasks. The paper is open access and can be found here: http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/285/1887/20180948 Cheers, -- Kelly / Kelly Jaakkola, PhD Director of Research, Dolphin Research Center Chair, Scientific Advisory Committee, Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums/ /kelly at dolphins.org/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mps.rsmas at gmail.com Wed Sep 19 09:00:36 2018 From: mps.rsmas at gmail.com (MPS RSMAS) Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2018 12:00:36 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science Recruiting Message-ID: Good morning everyone, We are out on the road currently recruiting and wanted to reach out to see if anyone that had interest in the program, collaborations, or just wanted to chat about marine or atmospheric sciences (possible internships/jobs for students). We will be in the following locations: September 19th - University of Rhode Island, Roger Williams University September 20th - Connecticut College and UCONN - Avery Point September 21st - Penn State University September 24th - University of Maryland September 25th - University of Virginia September 26th - UNC-Wilmington September 27th - Coastal Carolina September 28th - College of Charleston If you are interested in meeting up, please let me know ASAP! I'll be sending out another e-mail in a few weeks discussing the different Ph.D. opportunities along with our Master degree programs (http://rsmas.miami.edu and mps.miami.edu) Thanks and have a great next few weeks!!! Sincerely, Josh Coco, Ed. D. Executive Director, RSMAS Tel: (305) 421.4002 Fax: (305) 421.4711 Direct: jcoco at rsmas.miami.edu <%20jcoco at rsmas.miami.edu> University of Miami RSMAS Campus ? 105C 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway Miami, FL 33149-1031 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From highfile at eckerd.edu Thu Sep 20 07:03:52 2018 From: highfile at eckerd.edu (Lauren Highfill) Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2018 10:03:52 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Job Posting: Assistant Professor of Animal Studies (tenure-track) Message-ID: Job Posting: Assistant Professor of Animal Studies (tenure-track) Assistant Professor of Animal Studies, tenure-track position, to start in September, 2019. Ph.D. in Animal Studies, Psychology, Biology, or related-field required. Teach seven courses per academic year, including Introduction to Animal Studies, Animal Behavior, Internship in Animal Studies, Senior Capstone, and an elective in area of specialty. To contribute courses to a newly developed program in Animal Studies. Participation in an interdisciplinary, values-oriented general education program is required, including a regular rotation in the two-semester first-year program. Eckerd College, the only independent national liberal arts college in Florida, has a tradition of innovative education and teaching/mentoring excellence. Submit a letter of application, vita, teaching evaluations, statement of teaching philosophy, graduate transcripts, and contact information for three references so that letters of recommendation can be requested, via https://eckerd.hirecentric.com/jobs/. Applications must be complete by November 1, 2018. Inquiries may be sent to Dr. Lauren Highfill, highfile at eckerd.edu. EOE. Applications from women/minorities encouraged. https://eckerd.hirecentric.com/jobs/146511.html -- *Lauren Highfill, Ph.D.* Professor of Psychology 727.864.8428 Schedule an appointment Lab website Eckerd College 4200 54th Avenue South St. Petersburg, Florida 33711 [image: Eckerd College logo] -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From aran.garrod at googlemail.com Thu Sep 20 21:44:00 2018 From: aran.garrod at googlemail.com (Aran Garrod) Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2018 13:44:00 +0900 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication on C-POD dolphin detection validation Message-ID: <0412d090-8b20-6648-af3c-c94ae2934391@gmail.com> My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the paper Garrod, A., Fandel, A.D., Wingfield, J.E., Fouda, L., Rice, A.N., Bailey, H. 2018. Validating automated click detector dolphin detection rates and investigating factors affecting performance. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, https://doi.org/10.1121/1.5049802. Abstract Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) is a widely used technique for studying the distribution and habitat use of cetaceans. The C-POD, an acoustic sensor with an onboard automated click detector, has been deployed in diverse acoustic environments, but studies verifying its offshore detection rates and factors affecting detection probability are scarce. To empirically evaluate the performance of C-PODs in detecting bottlenose dolphins (/Tursiops truncatus/), C-PODs were deployed alongside archival acoustic recorders 12?30?km offshore in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. The C-POD and acoustic recordings, post-processed using PAMGUARD software, were compared for a period of 6852 h. C-POD false positive rates were very low (mean 0.003%), and positive hourly detection accuracy was very high (mean 99.6%). Analysis of the acoustic environment and dolphin click characteristics revealed that true positive detections by C-PODs were significantly more likely to occur when PAMGUARD detected more clicks and there was increased high frequency noise (>20 kHz), likely from distant or unclassified clicks. C-PODs were found to be reliable indicators of dolphin presence at hourly or greater time scales. These results support the application of C-PODs in PAM studies that aim to investigate patterns of dolphin occurrence, such as those related to offshore windfarms. The paper can be found here: https://asa.scitation.org/doi/10.1121/1.5049802 Aran Garrod -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ericmkeen at gmail.com Fri Sep 21 08:22:45 2018 From: ericmkeen at gmail.com (Eric Keen) Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2018 10:22:45 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Publication: Fjord habitat use strategies of fin and humpback whales Message-ID: On behalf of my co-authors, I would like to bring the following publication in *Marine Environmental Research* to your attention: *Distinct habitat use strategies of sympatric rorqual whales within a fjord system* EM Keen, J Wray, J Pilkington, KL Thompson, CR Picard Link to article *Abstract:* We used ecosystem sampling during systematic surveys and opportunistic focal follows, comparison tests, and random forest models to evaluate fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) and humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) habitat associations within an inland feeding ground (Kitimat Fjord System, British Columbia, Canada). Though these species are sympatric and share a common prey source, they were attuned to different aspects of the local habitat. The fin whales were associated with habitat properties reminiscent of the open ocean. Humpback whales, in contrast, were associated with features more commonly associated with the inland waters of fjords. Fixed habitat features, such as seafloor depth and distance from the fjord mouth, were the most important predictors of fin whale presence, but fixed and dynamic variables, such as surface properties, predicted humpback whale presence with equal (moderate) success. With the exception of strong salinity gradients for humpback whales, habitat conditions were poor predictors of feeding state. Fin whales practiced a spatially confined, seasonally stable, and thus more predictable use of certain channels within the fjord system. These findings are compatible with site loyal behavior, which is interesting in light of the species' historical, unique use of this fjord system. The relatively lackluster performance of humpback-habitat models, coupled with the importance of oceanographic properties, makes the humpback's habitat use strategy more uncertain. The fact that two sympatric species sharing a common prey source exhibited different habitat use strategies suggests that at least one species was informed by something in addition to prey. Given that the two species are attuned to different aspects of the fjord habitat, their responses to habitat changes, including anthropogenic impacts, would likely be different in both nature and degree. Our findings highlight the value of comparative studies and the complexity of rorqual habitat use, which must be understood in order for critical habitat to be identified and protected. -- Eric M Keen PhD, Scripps Institution of Oceanography Visiting Professor, Sewanee: The University of the South Science Director, North Coast Cetacean Society Biologist, Marine Ecology & Telemetry Research -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jrtowers at gmail.com Fri Sep 21 22:22:42 2018 From: jrtowers at gmail.com (Jared Towers) Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2018 22:22:42 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] new publication: Movements and dive behaviour of a toothfish-depredating killer and sperm whale Message-ID: Dear all, Our paper titled "Movements and dive behaviour of a toothfish-depredating killer and sperm whale" was recently published in the ICES Journal of Marine Science. Towers, J. R., Tixier, P., Ross, K. A., Bennett, J., Arnould, J. P. Y., Pitman, R. L., and Durban, J. W. Movements and dive behaviour of a toothfish-depredating killer and sperm whale. ? ICES Journal of Marine Science, doi:10.1093/icesjms/fsy118. Abstract: Depredation of demersal longlines by killer and sperm whales is a widespread behaviour that impacts fisheries and whale populations. To better understand how depredating whales behave in response to fishing activity, we deployed satellite-linked location and dive-profile tags on a sperm and killer whale that were depredating Patagonian toothfish from commercial longlines off South Georgia. The sperm and killer whale followed one fishing vessel for >180 km and >300 km and repeatedly depredated when longlines were being retrieved over periods of 6 and 7 d, respectively. Their behaviours were also sometimes correlated with the depths and locations of deployed gear. They both dove significantly deeper and faster when depredating compared with when foraging naturally. The killer whale dove >750m on five occasions while depredating (maximum: 1087 m), but these deep dives were always followed by long periods (3.9?4.6 h) of shallow (<100 m) diving. We hypothesize that energetically and physiologically costly dive behaviour while depredating is driven by intra- and inter-specific competition due to the limited availability of this abundant resource. The paper can be accessed at https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/icesjms/fsy118/5103434 or by contacting jrtowers at gmail.com Jared Towers -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From morten.olsen at snm.ku.dk Thu Sep 20 23:32:35 2018 From: morten.olsen at snm.ku.dk (Morten Tange Olsen) Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2018 06:32:35 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper on cetacean strandings in Denmark 1968-2017 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Dear all It is my pleasure to announce our new paper on cetacean strandings in Denmark 1968-2017 Kinze CC, Th?stesen CB, Olsen MT (2018) Cetacean stranding records along the Danish coastline: Records for the period 2008-2017 and a comparative review. Lutra, 61 (1): 87-105 Abstract: For the period 2008-2017, finds of stranded cetaceans along the Danish coastline are listed and reviewed in comparison to the preceding 40-year period (1968-2007). The harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) was by far the most commonly stranded species with a total of 1177 individuals for the period 2008-2017. Of these, 62.4% (n=735) originated from the North Sea and Skagerrak coastlines, i.e. the outer Danish waters (ODW), 37.0% (n=435) from the Kattegat and Belt Sea, i.e. the inner Danish waters (IDW), and 0.6% (n=7) from the waters around Bornholm (WAB), i.e. the Baltic Sea proper. Due to the large number and the amount of information for these records only a summary is given. In addition, 90 strandings of twelve other cetacean species occurred between 2008-2017. These comprise 49 white-beaked dolphins (Lagenorhynchus albirostris), three white-sided dolphins (Leucopleurus acutus), seven common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), a striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), a Risso?s dolphin (Grampus griseus), four long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas), a killer whale (Orcinus orca), a Sowerby?s beaked whale (Mesoplodon bidens), six sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), 14 minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), two fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) and a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). During the last 50 years (1968-2017) five additional cetacean species have stranded on the Danish coasts: bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in 1968, 1975 and 1976, beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) in 1976 and 1987, northern bottlenose whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus) in 1969 and 1998, Bryde?s whale (Balaenoptera brydei) in 2000, and sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) in 1980. The cetacean fauna around Denmark falls into the following categories: 1. native species such as the harbour porpoise, white-beaked dolphin, and minke whale; 2. resilient visitors, i.e. species such as common dolphin, fin whale and humpback whale that during their occurrences adapt well to altered environmental conditions encountered; and 3. erratic stragglers of oceanic, pelagic origin failing to adapt, such as long-finned pilot whale, Sowerby?s beaked whale and sperm whale. You can email me for a copy, or see http://www.zoogdierwinkel.nl/lutra Best Morten Morten Tange Olsen Assistant Professor Curator of Marine Mammals Natural History Museum of Denmark Section for Evolutionary Genomics University of Copenhagen ?ster Voldgade 5-7 1350 Copenhagen K Denmark morten.olsen at snm.ku.dk (+45)42661525 http://snm.ku.dk/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From annap at alaskasealife.org Thu Sep 20 14:37:28 2018 From: annap at alaskasealife.org (Anna Pullins) Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2018 13:37:28 -0800 Subject: [MARMAM] Alaska SeaLife Center fellowship Message-ID: *Alaska SeaLife Center Fellowship in Seward, AK* *R**emote Video Monitoring** and Scat Collection Studies of Steller Sea Lions Fellow* *Start date 1/2/19, end date 4/30/19* Position requirements: 75% of time per week will be spent in this department and 25% of time per week supporting the Interpretation department. The fellow will assist with the day to day support of animal-related research activities involving Steller sea lions. Applicants should exhibit a strong interest in field-based and animal-related research work and associated support. Candidates with animal photo identification and behavioral study experience are preferred. Familiarity with Excell, MS Access and video recording equipment are also preferred. Applicants should possess the ability to lift and carry 50+ lbs over uneven terrain while working in freezing temperatures in a remote marine environment. Under the guidance of Chiswell staff, the fellow will be trained and expected to perform the following duties: - operate remotely controlled cameras from a desktop computer, - assist with behavioral observations, video recording, data entry and management, - assist with field work including scat collection and remote monitoring equipment installation/maintenance, - work in a laboratory sub-sampling, cleaning, and sifting scat samples, and - be prompt with daily data collection, stay focused on the task at hand for extended periods of time and follow a very much regimented schedule. -- *Anna Pullins* *Human Resources Coordinator*Alaska SeaLife Center P.O. Box 1329 ? 301 Railway Ave ? Seward, AK 99664 Direct: 907-224-6327 Mobile: 907-362-7773 Fax: 907-224-6320 www.alaskasealife.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From JFujii at mbayaq.org Fri Sep 21 11:29:25 2018 From: JFujii at mbayaq.org (Jessica Fujii) Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2018 18:29:25 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Monterey Bay Aquarium Sea Otter Program Intern applications now open Message-ID: The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Sea Otter Program is seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals for two internship programs, 1) Research and 2) Animal Care for January-June 2019 Research Intern project responsibilities include, but are not limited to, data collection in the field from shore and occasionally on a small boat using radio telemetry equipment and making visual observations with spotting scopes. Interns will record daily re-sights, movement patterns and forage observations, and activity budget data on marked individual wild sea otters. Animal care intern project responsibilities include, but are not limited to, daily care and feeding of ill, injured and orphaned sea otters, maintenance and cleaning of animal tanks and enclosures, and computer data entry. Interns may also assist with rescues of live-stranded otters, tracking of released otters, administration of medication to sick otters, and managing otter in research projects. Qualified applicants must be able to work in a team environment, as well as independently without direct supervision, and must have good communication skills. All internship opportunities are Unpaid or STEM Internships (STEM may include funding provided through your educational institution). College credit may be available. Please refer to your College/University's student services division. Early submission of applications is encouraged. Deadline to apply is November 16, 2018. For more information and to apply, go to Animal Care https://montereybayaquarium.snaphire.com/jobdetails?ajid=Nv298 Research https://montereybayaquarium.snaphire.com/jobdetails?ajid=5y298 Jessica Fujii SORAC Senior Research Biologist [cid:image001.gif at 01D4519D.DAA50470] Monterey Bay Aquarium 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 www.montereybayaquarium.org Our mission is to inspire conservation of the ocean. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 1079 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: From marieltdoeschate at gmail.com Mon Sep 24 03:33:08 2018 From: marieltdoeschate at gmail.com (Mariel ten Doeschate) Date: Mon, 24 Sep 2018 11:33:08 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: Spatiotemporal trends in white-beaked dolphin strandings along the North Sea coast Message-ID: Dear all, On behalf of all co-authors I am pleased to announce the publication of the following research article in Lutra North Sea Cetacean Special Edition: *Spatiotemporal trends in white-beaked dolphin strandings along the North Sea coast **from 1991?2017.* Lonneke L. IJsseldijk, Andrew Brownlow, Nicholas J. Davison, Rob Deaville, Jan *Haelters, Guido Keijl, Ursula Siebert & Mariel T.I. ten Doeschate. *Lutra* 61 (1): 153 - 163* *Abstract*: *The white-beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) is an endemic species in the North Sea with an estimated population of around 36,000 individuals. Recently, concerns have been raised among conservationists regarding increasing water temperatures as a result of climate change, which could result in a decline in population **numbers in certain areas of the white-beaked dolphin?s range. Here we use stranding frequencies of white-beaked dolphins as an indicator of distribution and investigate whether there have been spatiotemporal patterns and changes in stranding frequencies in the south western North Sea in the last 27 years (1991-2017). A total of 407 strandings was recorded and the distribution of stranded animals throughout this period revealed a higher density of animals in the southern countries in earlier years, with slightly increased densities in the north western area more recently. This could be a first indication of a change in habitat use and population distribution from southern to northern regions.* *A potential explanation for the observed shift is climate change and its effect on prey distribution and availability. This study highlights the potential of using stranding records as a way to collect high resolution spatiotemporal data, making this a valuable addition to surveys of live animals assessing species distribution and abundance. Additional research into metrics such as causes of mortality, life history and diet parameters (all of which are currently largely unknown for this species) would provide a welcome contribution to assess more detailed measures of the status of the population.* If you would like a copy of the full article, or if you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to get in touch by sending an email to marielten.doeschate at sac.co.uk / m.t.i.tendoeschate at uu.nl Cheers, Mariel *Mariel ten Doeschate MSc* Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme SRUC Veterinary Services Inverness IV2 4JZ www.strandings.org +44 (0) 7990513589 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From acsla.grants at gmail.com Tue Sep 25 11:31:17 2018 From: acsla.grants at gmail.com (ACS-LA.Grants) Date: Tue, 25 Sep 2018 11:31:17 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] ACS-LA Student Travel Grants to the American Cetacean Society Conference - Deadline is 1 week away Message-ID: Reminder - Oct 3rd deadline for student travel grants to the American Cetacean Society conference in Newport Beach CA (Nov 2-4th) - Deadline to submit your travel grant application to ACS-LA is only 1 week away. -------Original posting below------------ The American Cetacean Society, Los Angeles Chapter (ACS-LA) is happy to announce the opening of applications for 2018 Student Travel Grants. The Los Angeles Chapter of the American Cetacean Society (ACS-LA) is offering four travel grants in the amount of $250.00 each to students working or attending school in the Southern California area and who will be attending the 16th International Conference ?Whales & Us: the Next Generation? hosted by the American Cetacean Society (ACS), in Newport Beach, CA, November 2-4, 2018. Conference information is available here: https://www.acsonline.org/2018-conference . The four $250 travel grants will be awarded to four students exhibiting outstanding commitment to research on marine mammals. Students should either be attending school in Southern California and/or conducting their marine mammal research in Southern California. Presenting at the ACS Conference is not a requirement for applying for the student travel grant, but priority will be given to students presenting a poster at the conference. Eligibility: 1. Applicant needs to be a student (undergraduate or graduate) and be attending the ACS conference. Proof of registration will be required prior to receiving your award. You can register for the conference at this link: https://www.acsonline.org/2018-conference . If you are presenting a poster at the ACS conference, you will be given additional priority for receiving these travel grants. AND 2. Applicant should be a student attending an accredited institution and living in Southern California. OR 3. Current research focus should be on Marine Mammals located in or around Southern California. Applications: Applications should include the following: 1. Cover sheet with: a) Title of poster presentation being given at ACS Conference (if presenting). Note: presenting is not required to receive a travel grant award. If not presenting, leave this blank. b) Your area of interest or area of research c) Applicant Contact Information (Name, Address, E-mail, and Phone numbers) d) Current school and major including current supervisor and department. If you are an undergraduate please indicate special areas of interest for you and give the name of your supervising professor if you have one. 2. Proof that applicant is a student (photo of the front and back of current student ID card). 3. A one-page CV or Resume 4. Note: Upon acceptance of the award, proof of ACS Conference registration will be required prior to receipt of grant award. Conference attendance is required to receive this award. Deadlines: Deadline for submission is 3 October, 2018. Awards will be announced by 12 October, 2018. Applications should be sent by E-mail to ACSLA.Grants at gmail.com. Information about the Los Angeles Chapter of ACS can be found on our website: www.acs-la.org . To join ACS-LA, please go to https://www.acsonline.org/membership and specify the Los Angeles Chapter. To Register for the ACS Conference please go to: https://www.acsonline.org/2018-conference. For further information about specific chapters and other grant-making programs, please visit the Chapter page of the National American Cetacean Society website: www.acsonline.org . ========================== ACS-LA Grants Coordinator Christina Tombach Wright American Cetacean Society-Los Angeles Chapter acsla.grants at gmail.com www.acs-la.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From morgana.vighi at gmail.com Wed Sep 26 10:59:01 2018 From: morgana.vighi at gmail.com (Morgana Vighi) Date: Wed, 26 Sep 2018 19:59:01 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: Strontium as a potential tracer for mysticetes movements and habitat use Message-ID: Dear MARMAMers, We are pleased to announce that the following paper on the potential use of Sr as a tracer for whale migrations has been published online: Morgana Vighi, A. Borrell, G. V?kingsson, Th. Gunnlaugsson and A. Aguilar (2019). Strontium in fin whale baleen: A potential tracer of mysticete movements across the oceans? https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.103 ABSTRACT Strontium is a metal broadly distributed in oceanic waters, where its concentrations follow gradients mainly driven by oceanographic and biological factors. Studies on terrestrial vertebrates show that Sr can accumulate in mammalian hair in amounts mainly related to the external environment, a property that has been scarcely investigated inaquatic mammals. Cetaceans are marine mammals whose skin is generally hairless, but the species belonging to the mysticete group feed through a filtering apparatus made of keratinous baleen plates that, like hair, grow continuously. During their annual latitudinal migrations, mysticetes cross water masses with variable chemo-physical characteristics that may be reflected in these tissues. In the present study, baleen plates were sampled from 10 fin whales obtained from NW Spain (N?=?5) and SW Iceland (N?=?5) to investigate Sr concentrations along the plates growth axis. Samples were taken longitudinally at regular 1?cm-intervals on each plate. Sr concentrations, determined through mass spectrometry, ranged from 5 to 40?mg?kg?1and increased from proximal to distal positions along plates. These results suggest a progressive adsorption of Sr on the plate surface, a process that also occurs in mammalian hair. Increasing trends were similar in the two regions but overall concentrations were significantly higher in NW Spain, reflecting different Sr baseline concentrations in the two areas and indicating isolation between the two whale populations. Some oscillations in Sr longitudinal trends were also detected, likely indicating that whales migrate across water masses with different Sr baselines. These results suggest that Sr concentrations in keratinous tissues of marine mammals can be used as ecological tracers of their migrations and habitat use. Free access to the article will be available until November 2, 2018, via the following link: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1XjP6B8ccgeVZ For any questions do not hesitate to contact me at: morgana.vighi at gmail.com Best regards, Morgana Vighi -- Morgana Vighi, PhD Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ci?ncies Ambientals University of Barcelona Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain +34 633656763 +39 3388269806 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From akkayaaylin at yahoo.com Thu Sep 27 02:17:23 2018 From: akkayaaylin at yahoo.com (aylin akkaya) Date: Thu, 27 Sep 2018 09:17:23 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [MARMAM] Volunteer is needed for sperm whale and beaked whale survey in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (16th-23th October 2018) References: <1470842131.786484.1538039843320.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1470842131.786484.1538039843320@mail.yahoo.com> OverviewMarine Mammals Research Association (www.dmad.org.tr) offers one place for a volunteer in its expedition where you will be part of a groundbreaking scientific research effort. The expedition aims to explore areas where there is little known. Not only you will get hand on experience on visual and acoustic monitoring but also you may have unforgettable close encounters with these magnificent creatures. DestinationThe expedition covers the coastal and offshore waters of? Eastern Mediterranean Sea between Antalya, Marmaris and Rhodes Island (excluding the greek waters).? The Expedition CalendarThese scientific expeditions are a part of a year round study and this one will be conducted between 16th and 23th October 2018. The surveys will be 24 hours (days and nights) for each day with a rota.? Species to EncounterOn this trip we are likely to encounter a variety of marine mammals, including the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), short-beaked common dolphin(Delphinus delphis), Risso?s dolphin (Grampus griseus), sperm whale (Physeter microcephalus),Cuvier?s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) and fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), in addition to the Mediterranean?s only pinniped species, the endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus). Moreover, as our study areas are largely unexplored, there is the potential to discover other cetacean species which are rarely found in the Mediterranean basin such as Humpback Whales(Megaptera novaeangliae)! The Skills You Will Learn;?? ? ? ? ?Conducting visual and acoustic surveys???????? ?PAM operation ?? ? ? ? ?Collecting behavioural data for sighted species?? ? ? ? ?Photo-identification One of the objectives of our expedition is to help create and inspire independent researchers, equipped with experience in up-to-date research techniques. The Training You Will Receive;There will be a day of training before the survey route starts;?? ? ? ? ?Data collection protocol?? ? ? ? ?Species identification?? ? ? ? ?Photo identification techniques?? ? ? ? ?PAM operation???????? ?Logger 2010 software ?? ? ? ? ?Behavioural sampling The costAs we are a non-profit organisation with limited financial resources, there is a monitory fee attached to this journey, which directly goes to boat rent. The cost is EUR 500 per person. This cost includes:?? ? ? ? ?Full survey and equipment training?? ? ? ? ?Use of research equipment?? ? ? ? ?Accommodation and meals on board for the duration of your stay?? ? ? ? ?All safety equipment?? ? ? ? ?All cruising and sailing permits for Turkey What is not included??? ? ? ? ?Flights to and from start and end location?? ? ? ? ?Travel insurance (Mandatory, please provide proof)?? ? ? ? ?Accommodations onshore What you should bring:?? ? ? ? ?Passport with any necessary visas for the countries you will be visiting?? ? ? ? ?Sleeping bag?? ? ? ? ?Towel?? ? ? ? ?Binoculars?? ? ? ? ?Seasonal appropriate clothing, including waterproofs?? ? ? ? ?Camera?? ? ? ? ?Sea sickness medication Who are we looking for?We are looking for enthusiastic and passionate team members with the willingness to learn, as well as motivated students and researchers who wish to collect data for their university projects. Essentials;? A strong passion for marine mammals, and a desire to protect the Mediterranean marine environment? Excellent team work and communication skills? Fluency in English? The ability to live and work long hours on a boat in all weathers for consecutive days? Willingness to help with the ongoing duties on-board including cleaning, maintenance, sailing, and cooking.? A positive and proactive attitudeTo apply send us your CV and cover letter to: info at dmad.org.tr and akkayaaylinn at gmail.com before 5th of October 2018. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ON BOARD SOON -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From holly_morin at uri.edu Thu Sep 27 07:15:48 2018 From: holly_morin at uri.edu (Holly Morin) Date: Thu, 27 Sep 2018 10:15:48 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Underwater acoustics electronic books available for free download Message-ID: <14C73F02-C555-4B09-A585-7B1F64DFAD3A@uri.edu> **apologies for cross-postings** The Discovery of?Sound in the Sea (DOSITS) Discovery of?Sound in the Sea (DOSITS ) Project is pleased to announce that the DOSITS electronic books (eBooks) will be available to download for FREE through the iTunes store (for macOS, iPad, and iPhone) until October 31, 2018. To view sample pages and access the books via an iTunes link, please visit the DOSITS website at www.dosits.org/book/ . Discovery of Sound in the Sea Book I: Importance of Sound in the Sea focuses on sound in the ocean, both natural and human produced, and contains DOSITS content on topics related to marine animal sound production and reception and use of sound, along with a chapter on the potential effects of human produced sounds on marine animals. Discovery of Sound in the Sea Book II: Science of Underwater Sound focuses on the fundamental science of underwater sound, sound movement, and sound measurement, as well as advanced scientific content. Both interactive books contain high-resolution imagery, videos, and sound files. The content in these books is based on the DOSITS project, including its website (www.dosits.org). DOSITS content is based on well-understood scientific principles, peer-reviewed literature, and high-quality sources of scientific data. Independent underwater acoustics experts have reviewed all of the books? content. Several topics in these books are areas of active scientific research; new information will be integrated into each eBook as peer-reviewed publications become available. Questions? Please contact Holly Morin (holly_morin at uri.edu) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From carlos_leopard at hotmail.com Thu Sep 27 15:47:50 2018 From: carlos_leopard at hotmail.com (Carlos Sacristan Yague) Date: Thu, 27 Sep 2018 22:47:50 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Novel publications about poxvirus in cetaceans Message-ID: Dear Colleagues, On behalf of all co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of our novel articles about poxvirus in cetaceans. - Sacristan C, EsperonF, Marigo J, Ewbank AC, De Carvalho RR, Groch KR, De Castilho PV, Sanchez-Sarmiento AM, Costa-Silva S, Ferreira Machado E, Gonzales-Viera OA, Daura-Jorge FG, Santos-Neto EB, Lailson-Brito J, Azevedo ADF, Simoes-Lopes PC, Das Neves C, Catao-Dias JL. (2018). Molecular identification and microscopic characterization of poxvirus in a Guiana dolphin and a common bottlenose dolphin, Brazil. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms. 130:177-185. https://doi.org/10.3354/dao03271 - Sacristan C, Catao-Dias JL, Ewbank AC, Ferreira Machado E, Neves E, Santos-Neto EB, Azevedo A, Laison-Brito JJr, De Castilho PV, Daura-Jorge FG, Simoes-Lopes PC, Carballo M, Garcia-Parraga D, Sanchez-Vizcaino JM, Esperon F. (2018). Novel and highly sensitive SYBR? green real-time PCR for Poxvirus detection in odontocetes. Journal of Virological Methods. 259:45-49 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jviromet.2018.06.002. In the first manuscript we describe the progression of poxvirus-like skin lesions in 5 free-ranging Guiana dolphins Sotalia guianensis. Additionally, 151 skin samples from 113 free-ranging cetaceans from Brazil, including 4 animals with tattoo skin lesions, were selected for poxvirus testing. Poxviral DNA polymerase gene PCR amplification was used to detect the virus in ?-actin-positive samples (145/151). DNA topoisomerase I gene PCR was then used in Cetaceanpoxvirus (CePV)-positive cases (n = 2), which were further evaluated by histopathology and electron microscopy. Based on photo-identification, adult Guiana dolphins presented regressing or healed poxvirus-like lesions (2/2), while juveniles presented persistent (2/3) or healed and progressive lesions (1/3). CePV DNA was amplified in a common bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus and in a Guiana dolphin. Intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies and viral particles consistent with poxvirus were identified by histology and electron microscopy, respectively. CePV-specific amino acid motifs were identified through phylogenetic analysis. Our findings corroborate previous studies that suggest the placement of poxviruses from cetaceans within the novel CePV genus. This is the first molecular identification of poxvirus in South American odontocetes. In the second article we describe a new real-time PCR assay based on SYBR? Green and a new primer set to detect a 150 bp fragment of CePV DNA-polymerase gene, also effective for conventional PCR detection. The novel real-time PCR was able to detect 5 up to 5?106 copies per reaction of a cloned positive control. Both novel PCR methods were 1000 to 100,000-fold more sensitive than those previously described in the literature. Samples of characteristic poxvirus skin lesions (?tattoo?) from one Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus), two striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) and two Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) were all positive to both our novel real time- and conventional PCR methods, even though three of these animals (a Risso's dolphin, a striped dolphin, and a Guiana dolphin) were previously negative to the conventional PCRs previously available. To our knowledge, this is the first real-time PCR detection method for Cetaceanpoxvirus, a much more sensitive tool for the detection of CePV-1 infections. You can discover more in https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/dao/v130/n3/p177-185/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0166093418301150?via%3Dihub The articles are available at links above or email: carlosvet.sac at gmail.com Best regards Carlos -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Justin.Meager at des.qld.gov.au Fri Sep 28 00:51:41 2018 From: Justin.Meager at des.qld.gov.au (MEAGER Justin) Date: Fri, 28 Sep 2018 07:51:41 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: Long-term trends in habitat use and site fidelity by Australian humpback dolphins Message-ID: <124F136D3B5E7E4C97E464FE5C6FE7CE443E1B18@CHQMAIL01.lands.resnet.qg> Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce the following publication in Marine Ecology Progress Series: Meager, J.J., Hawkins, E.R., Ansmann, I. and Parra, G.J. (2018) Long-term trends in habitat use and site fidelity by Australian humpback dolphins Sousa sahulensis in a near-urban embayment. Marine Ecology Progress Series 603, 227-242. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12709 Abstract: Habitat use and site fidelity in coastal dolphins can vary in space and time, and are important components in conservation planning and predicting the impacts of environmental change. Little is known of long-term patterns of habitat use and site fidelity in threatened tropical delphinids. Here, we investigate trends in habitat use and site fidelity of Australian humpback dolphins Sousa sahulensis in Moreton Bay, a near-urban embayment in Queensland, Australia, using spatially referenced sightings from systematic surveys and government datasets. Data from 1992 to 2016 were assigned to 3 time periods with similar spatial coverage and compared using ecological niche and kernel models. We also used behavioural data collected from 2014 to 2016 to investigate the potential ecological function underpinning recent habitat preferences. A long-term fidelity and consistency in habitat use was evident at an industrialised port at the mouth of the Brisbane River, but patterns of habitat use were more dynamic elsewhere. Models of spatial patterns of behaviour suggested that areas used consistently were mostly foraging habitats. A marked shift in habitat use away from the northwestern side of Moreton Bay was evident after 1999, which we suggest was due to a decline in habitat integrity exacerbated by periodic floods. Our results imply that the optimal conservation strategy for the species would be to focus on areas that are long-term core habitats, whilst safeguarding against environmental change by maintaining habitat integrity across the broader area delineated by their ecological niche. https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v603/p227-242/ Regards, Justin Justin Meager Aquatic Species Program, Queensland Department of Environment and Science Brisbane Q 4001, Australia ------------------------------ The information in this email together with any attachments is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. There is no waiver of any confidentiality/privilege by your inadvertent receipt of this material. Any form of review, disclosure, modification, distribution and/or publication of this email message is prohibited, unless as a necessary part of Departmental business. If you have received this message in error, you are asked to inform the sender as quickly as possible and delete this message and any copies of this message from your computer and/or your computer system network. ------------------------------ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From recruitment at osc.co.uk Fri Sep 28 05:44:09 2018 From: recruitment at osc.co.uk (Recruitment) Date: Fri, 28 Sep 2018 12:44:09 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] MMO vacancies for USA citizens, and permanent positions for MMOs and PAMOs Message-ID: Dear MMOs, OSC seeks MMOs for a project in the USA, with an estimated duration of 1-2 weeks. The survey vessel is Jones Act Compliant, so anyone who boards must be a US citizen; consequently, we are only looking for US-citizen applicants on this particular project. To minimise mob/demob costs, we are ideally looking for applicants who are based in Louisiana or have regular and competitively priced flights from their local airport to New Orleans International Airport - it would be helpful if applicants could indicate how long it takes to travel from your home to New Orleans. Rates are negotiable and on a door-to-door policy plus logistical (travel) expenses. If you are interested and available, and not already on OSC's database, please provide copies of your CV, passport, driving licence (probably not needed, but useful for future reference), offshore survival and medical certificates, MMO and/or PAM and degree certificates. For documents not already in electronic format, please scan these, ideally using a flat-bed scanner (but a camera scanner will suffice), as photographs of documents are not often accepted due to suboptimal quality - presentation is everything, and clients are more likely to select applicants who take the time to properly scan documents. Please use relevant software programmes to minimise any scanned file sizes so that they remain clearly legible, yet easy for us to share by email with stakeholders. In this day and age, most of us receive emails on our mobile/cell phones, and most of us do not want to use our monthly mobile/cell data allowance to receive unnecessarily large documents that could have easily been resized using software programmes that are available online free of charge. If a flat-bed scanner creates PDF format only, which can be excessively large, open these documents in an image processing programme (free software available), and save in a different format such as JPEG, then use a suitable programme to reduce the file size - also available for free download online. PDF format is acceptable, but large file sizes are unnecessary. We still receive application emails with documents attached to several different emails on account of file size, which was normal in 1998, but not in 2018, hence this advice. Please apply by email only to recruitment at osc.co.uk - recruitment enquiries to other OSC email addresses will not be considered. Also, OSC will shortly be advertising permanent employment positions for MMOs and PAMOs, and interested candidates are welcome to apply sooner. These positions are for UK and EU citizens only, and successful candidates will need to relocate to Dunbar or nearby. In due course, further details will be available on various online locations and social media and on our website: http://www.osc.co.uk/careers Please feel free to circulate this email amongst colleagues seeking contract (freelance) and permanent employment. Thanks and kind regards, -- Recruitment Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, UK T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kmckenna at nmlc.org Thu Sep 27 13:43:39 2018 From: kmckenna at nmlc.org (Katherine McKenna) Date: Thu, 27 Sep 2018 16:43:39 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] National Marine Life Center's Marine Animal Rehabilitation & Environmental Education Internship Message-ID: <013501d456a2$c571b080$50551180$@nmlc.org> National Marine Life Center's Marine Animal Rehabilitation & Environmental Education Internship The National Marine Life Center (NMLC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing stranded marine mammals and sea turtles in order to advance science and education in marine wildlife health and conservation. Animal Care Responsibilities- Depending on need and case load, interns will assist with the care of the NMLC rehabilitation patients including seals, sea turtles, and freshwater turtles. Animal care duties will include animal restraint, cleaning, disinfecting tanks, equipment, and environmental enrichment devices, food preparation, administering feeds including tube feeding, data entry, maintenance and water quality testing. Interns may also assist animal care staff with medical procedures, admission exams, necropsies and release events. Education Responsibilities- Interns will assist with environmental education programs, including on-site programs, off-site programs, fairs, and festivals. Interns will assist in giving public presentations to guests of NMLC and educate them on marine animals and conservation. Interns will assist in the gift shop, with various office projects, event promotions and fundraising events. Other Responsibilities- At the end of the internship, the intern will present to the staff, volunteers, and other interested parties an overview of their time spent at NMLC. Each intern will also be assigned a weekly chore to assist with the upkeep of the facility and equipment, and will be required to attend regularly scheduled intern meetings. Positions are unpaid, interns must have their own transportation, and housing is not provided, but NMLC will offer housing and job suggestions. Qualifications: . The internship is open to students who are currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from an accredited college or university. . Preference will be given to students or recent graduates working towards biology, environmental studies, marine science, education, or other related fields. . Intern should demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. . Students that are adaptable, responsible, hardworking, willing to learn, and have attention to detail are encouraged to apply. . Must be able to work independently and as part of a team. . Interns should be available to work from January 7th, 2019 to May 20th, 2019 however start and end dates can be flexible. . Interns should expect to work 25-35 hours per week, including evenings, one weekend day and holidays . If an intern plans to receive school credit for an internship they must notify staff prior to the internship start date, and it will be the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required paperwork is completed and submitted. To Apply- Send your resume, cover letter, and one letter of reference to internship at nmlc.org or PO Box 269, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts 02532. Applications must be received by November 1st for the winter/spring semester. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling bases until the deadline. For more information visit our website at http://nmlc.org/about/staff/job-opportunities/ Katherine McKenna Animal Care and Necropsy Coordinator National Marine Life Center P.O. Box 269, 120 Main Street Buzzards Bay, MA 02532-0269 office (508) 743-9888 X306 cell (214) 226-9634 fax (508) 759-5477 www.nmlc.org kmckenna at nmlc.org Office Hours: Sunday - Thursday --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From aforrest at mysticaquarium.org Fri Sep 28 05:48:22 2018 From: aforrest at mysticaquarium.org (Forrest, Amber) Date: Fri, 28 Sep 2018 12:48:22 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Mystic Aquarium Intern & Fellowship Opportunities Message-ID: <0DD16B69FDA33B469EA13D47302B52C416BADD64@EX2010.searesearch.local> Mystic Aquarium Research Internships Description Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment with guidance from a mentor who is a member of our Research staff. Our Research team conducts research in many aspects of marine animal health, husbandry, and ecology. This is accomplished through detailed analysis of behavior, specimens, data records and a combination of field, in-house, and laboratory-based research projects that focus on animal behavior, ecology, infectious disease, neuro-immunology, and physiology. The internship program reflects our mission, "to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and conservation." Internships are available for the fall, spring and summer. Interns have the opportunity to attend weekly educational seminars, receive feedback from supervisors, and work on independent projects to enhance their knowledge and resumes. Application deadlines are as follows: Spring internships (Jan-May): September 30 Summer internships (May-Aug): January 31 Fall internships (Sept-Dec): May 31 Please see the Mystic Aquarium website for more information on the internship program and instructions on completing an application. http://www.mysticaquarium.org/careers/internships/ Essential Responsibilities Here are some of the potential duties for Research internships. Please note that duties will vary depending on the intern's principle focus during the internship. More details can be acquired during the interview process. Videotape, observe, describe and analyze animal behavior Prepare chemical solutions and biological reagents Assist with specimen collection Management of biological specimens Assist with biological assays and experiments Data entry and database management Data analysis, table and graph construction Report writing Requested Requirements Mystic Aquarium's intern program is designed to provide pre-professional, experiential learning opportunities for individuals over 18 years of age while simultaneously providing career experience. Students can receive academic credit from their school for the internship, but it is the student's responsibility to arrange for the credit. All internships are unpaid. Research internships vary in number of days per week and the number of hours per week. They may be as much as 40 hours and five days per week or they may be less. A minimum of 16 hours per week is required. The time commitment involved can be discussed during the interview process and will be consistent most weeks. Most internships follow the college year (Spring, Summer and Fall semesters). Dates of the program may be adjusted to fit other school calendars or programs. Contact Email Address Interninfo at mysticaquarium.org Mystic Aquarium Animal Rescue Program Internships Description Gain hands-on husbandry experience in a dynamic environment with guidance from a mentor who is a member of our husbandry staff. Husbandry internship positions are available in the Animal Rescue Program. The internship program reflects our mission, "to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and conservation." Internships are available for the fall, spring and summer. Interns have the opportunity to attend weekly educational seminars, receive feedback from supervisors, and work on independent projects to enhance their knowledge and resumes. Application deadlines are as follows: Spring internships (Jan-May): September 30 Summer internships (May-Aug): January 31 Fall internships (Sept-Dec): May 31 Please see the Mystic Aquarium website for more information on the internship program and instructions on completing an application. http://www.mysticaquarium.org/careers/internships/ Essential Responsibilities Typical husbandry internship duties include the following: Assist staff with preparing diets for the animals Cleaning and maintenance of exhibits and back-up areas Record keeping Assist husbandry staff and staff veterinarian with medical procedures Requested Requirements Mystic Aquarium's intern program is designed to provide pre-professional, experiential learning opportunities for individuals over 18 years of age while simultaneously providing career experience. Students can receive academic credit from their school for the internship, but it is the student's responsibility to arrange for the credit. All internships are unpaid. Husbandry internships are full-semester commitments with a minimum of 38.75 hours per week. Most interns work 40 hours within five days per week. Most internships follow the college year (spring, summer and fall semesters). Dates of the program may be adjusted to fit other school calendars or programs. Contact Email Address Interninfo at mysticaquarium.org Mystic Aquarium Animal Rescue Program Fellowship Fellowship summary The Animal Rescue Program (ARP) Fellowship position is an expanded internship. The goal of the program is to provide college students or recent college graduates that are pursuing a career in veterinary medicine an opportunity to expand their animal skills by learning proper techniques for treating marine animals. Application deadlines are as follows: Spring fellowship (Jan-May): September 30 Summer fellowship (May-Aug): January 31 Fall fellowship (Sept-Dec): May 31 Demonstrate excellent representation of the aquarium at all times through a positive, can-do attitude and teamwork focused work ethic. The ARP Fellow is responsible for the day-to-day operations and general organization of the Animal Rescue Clinic (ARC) with guidance from ARP staff. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: diet preparation, cleaning and maintenance of ARP areas, record keeping, and providing medical treatments to animals with guidance from ARP staff and Aquarium veterinarians. Medical treatments may include restraint for procedures, tube feeding, intravenous blood samples, subcutaneous fluids, intramuscular injections, etc. The ARP Fellow will also provide training and guidance to ARP volunteers and interns, as requested. Minimum requirements Must be willing to consistently provide internal and external customer service above and beyond expectation. One of the following degree options is required: a degree from an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology program, current enrollment in an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology program, current undergraduate enrollment (3rd or 4th year) in a pre-veterinary track program, current enrollment (1st or 2nd year) in an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Medicine degree program, or a bachelor's degree with equivalent animal experience to above. Experience working in a veterinary clinic setting is strongly desired. Current valid driver's license required. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office. Must be able to work independently as well as part of a team, possess strong written and verbal communication skills, and have flexibility, a high attention to detail, strong organization and time management skills, a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Candidate must be able to meet the physical demands of the position which include prolonged standing and kneeling, lifting objects, and working in outdoor conditions. Responsibilities and essential functions All fellowships are unpaid with a minimum 12-16 week commitment required. The position is scheduled five days per week for a minimum of 40 hours each week. Applicants must be willing to work a flexible schedule, as hours may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Housing is not provided. To perform this fellowship position successfully, an individual must be able to execute each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. * Assist ARP and veterinary staff in obtaining samples collected from stranded animals * Perform and/or assist ARP and veterinary staff with clinical procedures and injections, fluid therapy, collection of diagnostic samples, tube feeding, and wound care * Perform and/or assist in overall ARC operations including feeding and caring for rehabilitating animals, delivering medications and supplements, cleaning and maintaining animal units, maintaining quarantine protocols, and record keeping * Assist ARP and veterinary staff with gross necropsy procedures, when necessary * Provide mentorship to interns/volunteers who are working within the ARC * All fellows are responsible for working in a safe manner at all times * Every fellow must properly use, and keep in good order, all personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied to them as protection from recognized hazards * Every fellow must report any unsafe condition * Every fellow must have a working knowledge of all Facility wide, and Department specific, safety procedures that relate to their position, including, but not limited to: Emergency Evacuation, Lockdown Procedure, and Fire Extinguisher Use * Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor Project requirement ARP fellows will be required to complete a project by the end of their term. This project will be focused on some aspect of veterinary medicine with guidance from ARP staff. The final product will be a 12 minute PowerPoint presentation provided to Aquarium staff/interns/volunteers based on the project selected. Requested Requirements The Animal Rescue Program Fellowship falls under the purview of the Mystic Aquarium Internship Program. Mystic Aquarium's intern program is designed to provide pre-professional, experiential learning opportunities for individuals over 18 years of age while simultaneously providing career experience. Students can receive academic credit from their school for the internship, but it is the student's responsibility to arrange for the credit. All internships are unpaid. Husbandry internships are full-semester commitments with a minimum of 38.75 hours per week. Most interns work 40 hours within five days per week. Most internships follow the college year (Spring, Summer and Fall semesters). Dates of the program may be adjusted to fit other school calendars or programs. Contact Email Address Interninfo at mysticaquarium.org Amber Forrest Administrative Assistant Research & Zoological Operations Sea Research Foundation (860)572-5955 x207 aforrest at mysticaquarium.org [Logo] -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 14653 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From mef264 at cornell.edu Fri Sep 28 07:42:40 2018 From: mef264 at cornell.edu (Michelle Elizabeth Fournet) Date: Fri, 28 Sep 2018 14:42:40 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: Multi-decadal stability in humpback whale calling repertoire Message-ID: We are pleased to announce that the following paper on the multi-decadal stability in the humpback whale calling repertoire has been published open access in Scientific Reports. Fournet, MEH, Gabriele CM, Culp, DC, Mellinger, DK, Sharpe, F, and H Klinck. (2018) Some things never change: multi-decadal stability in humpback whale calling repertoire on Southeast Alaskan foraging grounds. Scientific Reports. 8(1): 13186 DOI:10.1038/s41598-018-31527-x Abstract: Investigating long term trends in acoustic communication is essential for understanding the role of sound in social species. Humpback whales are an acoustically plastic species known for producing rapidly-evolving song and a suite of non-song vocalizations (?calls?) containing some call types that exhibit short-term stability. By comparing the earliest known acoustic recordings of humpback whales in Southeast Alaska (from the 1970?s) with recordings collected in the 1990?s, 2000?s, and 2010?s, we investigated the long-term repertoire stability of calls on Southeast Alaskan foraging grounds. Of the sixteen previously described humpback whale call types produced in Southeast Alaska, twelve were detected in both 1976 and 2012, indicating stability over a 36-year time period; eight call types were present in all four decades and every call type was present in at least three decades. We conclude that the conservation of call types at this temporal scale is indicative of multi-generational persistence and confirms that acoustic communication in humpback whales is comprised of some highly stable call elements in strong contrast to ever-changing song. Full text available at: https://rdcu.be/7TZR Please feel free to contact me with any questions. -- Michelle E.H. Fournet, PhD Postdoctoral Research Associate Cornell Lab of Ornithology Bioacoustics Research Program 159 Sapsucker Woods Road Ithaca, NY, 14850-1999 michelle.fournet at cornell.edu (907) 723-2752 mfournet.wordpress.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Lisa.Lauderdale at czs.org Fri Sep 28 06:20:06 2018 From: Lisa.Lauderdale at czs.org (Lauderdale, Lisa) Date: Fri, 28 Sep 2018 13:20:06 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Cetacean Welfare Research Internship Message-ID: Title: Cetacean Welfare Research Intern at Brookfield Zoo Position Description: This 4-month, part-time placement provides hands-on experience working with the Chicago Zoological Society's Animal Welfare Research Department at Brookfield Zoo. Intern will participate in the multi-institutional Cetacean Welfare Study and will work with the Animal Welfare Post-Doctoral Fellow on techniques necessary to conduct behavioral and physiological research within a zoological setting focused on specific aspects of animal welfare. Intern will have hands-on experience with all aspects of coding behavioral videos and processing biological samples. Desirable qualifications: Applicants who have demonstrated experience with research in lab, field, or other setting. Coursework in research skills, biology, animal behavior, ecology, or related subjects. Term of Appointment: 4 months (February 2019 -May 2019); approximately 24 hr./week. Salary/funding: This is an unpaid position. Application Deadline: September 30, 2018. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://www.czs.org/interns -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From emily at dolphins.org Fri Sep 28 12:19:42 2018 From: emily at dolphins.org (Emily Guarino) Date: Fri, 28 Sep 2018 15:19:42 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Postdoctoral Research Position Message-ID: Dolphin Research Center (DRC) invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to join our research group studying dolphin behavior, cognition, and welfare. DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility, home to a family of dolphins and sea lions, located in the Florida Keys. The successful candidate should hold a PhD in comparative psychology, zoology, animal behavior, animal welfare, or a related field. The specific area of specialization is open to negotiation. This postdoctoral position will be responsible for analyzing and publishing studies using existing long-term data sets, and will also have the opportunity to design and conduct novel observational research projects in their area of interest. The topic of the long-term data will be discussed, but might include animal personality, lateralization, husbandry, and/or social behaviors. Our ideal candidate will have: - a proven track record of peer-reviewed publications - the ability to communicate scientific concepts and arguments clearly and compellingly, both orally and in writing - an excellent understanding of study design and statistics - the ability to work well both independently and as part of a team The position is for one year initially, with a possibility of renewal contingent on performance and mutual satisfaction. Starting date is flexible between June - October, 2019. To apply, please submit the following to research at dolphins.org, with the subject line ?Postdoc application?: - a cover letter describing your motivation, research interests, experience, and goals - your CV - pdfs of up to 2 of your key publications or submitted manuscripts - contact information for 2 academic references Complete applications are due by December 1, 2018. For further information, please contact Dr. Kelly Jaakkola at kelly at dolphins.org. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From wiebke at greenconcretefilms.com Wed Sep 12 11:03:34 2018 From: wiebke at greenconcretefilms.com (wiebke at greenconcretefilms.com) Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2018 18:03:34 -0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Book contributors working on marine mammals Message-ID: <83633626-B116-40A9-86F8-B6094EA0688D@greenconcretefilms.com> Greetings from New Zealand! I?m looking for contributors working in the field of marine mammals research and human-wildlife management for a book on 'Charismatic Megafauna?. The book investigates the appeal of marine mammals to include a conservation and science message on responsible human-wildlife interactions. It will also highlight researchers and stakeholders working with marine mammals, their stories and background and visuals of human/wildlife interactions. I?m currently looking for people who may want to contribute. Please contact me if you have any ideas, suggestions and/or would like to be involved. Wiebke *************************** Wiebke Finkler (PhD, MSc) University of Otago wiebke.finkler at otago.ac.nz www.goodwhalewatching.com cell. +64 21 1812204 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From elena.fontanesi2 at studio.unibo.it Sat Sep 29 02:21:30 2018 From: elena.fontanesi2 at studio.unibo.it (Elena Fontanesi) Date: Sat, 29 Sep 2018 09:21:30 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] RESEARCH INTERN POSITION FALL 2018/WINTER 2019 Message-ID: RESEARCH INTERN POSITION FALL 2018/WINTER 2019 Costa Balenae is currently looking for and accepting interns to join our pilot project on bottlenose dolphins in the Western Ligurian Sea, Imperia (Italy) from November to April.(DEADLINE 10th October, for November) Programme: Interns are invited to assist the biologists of Costa Balenae in different activities of the research project on bottlenose dolphins: * Boat-based surveys (10-12 per month) * Photo-id matching/classwork * Data entry * Opportunistic surveys * land base surveys Schedule: Period: from 1st November 2018 to 30th April. Minimum required: 30 days Number of interns per month: 2 This is a great opportunity to get involved in cetacean research, enjoy marine biodiversity while gaining fieldwork experience, travelling and exploring the beautiful Liguria region while supporting cetacean research and conservation. Fieldwork will be made in coastal waters (Western Ligurian Sea). Surveys will be conducted onboard dedicated vessels (5-6 m inflatable boat) 10-12 times per month. Training will focus on collecting photo for photo-ID purposes, environmental, geographical (GPS) and dolphins' behavioural data. Fieldwork will help participants gaining first-hand experience in collecting data on free-ranging cetaceans and improve skills on cetaceans boat-based surveys as well as on the use of the photo-ID technique. Surveys are weather dependent and they can change during the period. Interns will be involved 5 days a week, 6-8 hours/day (depending on fieldwork or labwork) During free time, interns will have the opportunity to experience all sorts of activities: swimming, diving, hiking, exploring historical sites, visit museums, sailing. Skills/qualification: * Minimum age of 18 * Prior experience in cetaceans or boat-based surveys is not required, but preferred * Degree or on-going studies in biology, natural science, veterinary or similar (preferred) * Strong motivation and interest in cetaceans and research * Speak, read and write in fluent English * Be adaptable as fieldwork is weather dependent * Be prepared to spend many hours on a small zodiac (5-6 m) and under the sun * Be sociable and willing as they are expected to live and work in an international team * Boat driving licence or experience in handling small boats (preferred) About the project The dolphins research project ?Delfini del Ponente? is the first project focused on monitoring bottlenose dolphins in the Western Ligurian Sea. Due to the morphology of the seafloor, this area is not a usual habitat for this species and historically, sightings have a been more rare and sporadic than in the Levantine side of the region. The continental shelf is, in fact, very short and high depths (around 2000 m) are reached quite close to the shore making the area suitable for other cetacean species but not for bottlenose dolphins, which tend to remain in waters with depth not exceeding 200 m. Despite this knowledge of the range of the species, an interesting change has been noted in recent years in the area. Reports of bottlenose dolphins by boats, fishermen and whale watching vessels are almost tripled compared to previous seasons. Therefore, the project aims to monitor bottlenose dolphins in the region to understand the extent of this change and what drove it. It is structured on an annual basis, in order to obtain data not only on the distribution during the summer, but also changes during the different seasons. Internship fee Delfini del Ponente is a self-funded research project, so participation in this programme requires a tuition fee. Fee includes the accommodation in an apartment in Imperia, tuition and all associated field costs during the internship period (use of research vessel, training, use of equipment, field trips). Transportation expenses to and from Imperia (Italy), own insurances, and food costs during the stay are not included in the fee. Information about Costa Balenae Costa Balenae is a cooperative organization founded by a group of biologists and naturalists with twenty years of experience in the fields of scientific research, environmental education, territorial development and sustainable tourism. The passion for nature, its conservation and the development of commercial tourism activities that make knowledge, awareness and sustainability a point of strong entrepreneurial imprinting are the main characteristic of the cooperative. How to apply: Send your CV with a letter of interest (please indicate the preferred period, date of arriving and departure) to info at costabalenae.it addressed to Elena Fontanesi and Davide Ascheri no longer than the 10th of October. Successful applicants could be contacted for a skype interview. For any further enquiry and detail, please send an email to info at costabalenae.it Davide Ascheri and Elena Fontanesi Biologist - Costa Balenae Whale and Nature Watching info at costabalenae.it -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From heerolee1104 at gmail.com Sat Sep 29 20:34:55 2018 From: heerolee1104 at gmail.com (Wen-Ta Li) Date: Sun, 30 Sep 2018 11:34:55 +0800 Subject: [MARMAM] New publications: Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) induce Th2 cytokin bias on dolphin leukocytes Message-ID: Dear MARMAM, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the new publication of the following article in PeerJ. *Th2 cytokine bias induced by silver nanoparticles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)* *Background* Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely used in many commercial products due to their excellent antibacterial ability. The AgNPs are released into the environment, gradually accumulate in the ocean, and may affect animals at high trophic levels, such as cetaceans and humans, via the food chain. Hence, the negative health impacts caused by AgNPs in cetaceans are of concern. Cytokines play a major role in the modulation of immune system and can be classified into two types: Th1 and Th2. Th1/Th2 balance can be evaluated by the ratios of their polarizing cytokines (i.e., interferon [IFN]-?/Interleukin [IL]-4), and animals with imbalanced Th1/Th2 response may become more susceptible to certain kinds of infection. Therefore, the present study evaluated the in vitro cytokine responses of cetacean peripheral blood mononuclear cells (cPBMCs) to 20 nm citrate-AgNPs (C-AgNP20) by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). *Methods* Blood samples were collected from six captive common bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*). The cPBMCs were isolated and utilized for evaluating the in vitro cytokine responses. The cytokines evaluated included IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, interferon (IFN)-?, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-?. The geometric means of two housekeeping genes (HKGs), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and ?2-microglobulin (B2M), of each sample were determined and used to normalize the mRNA expression levels of target genes. *Results* The ratio of late apoptotic/necrotic cells of cPBMCs significantly increased with or without concanavalin A (ConA) stimulation after 24 h of 10 ?g/ml C-AgNP20 treatment. At 4 h of culture, the mRNA expression level of IL-10 was significantly decreased with 1 ?g/ml C-AgNP20 treatment. At 24 h of culture with 1 ?g/ml C-AgNP20, the mRNA expression levels of all cytokines were significantly decreased, with the exceptions of IL-4 and IL-10. The IFN-?/IL-4 ratio was significantly decreased at 24 h of culture with 1 ?g/ml C-AgNP20 treatment, and the IL-12/IL-4 ratio was significantly decreased at 4 or 24 h of culture with 0.1 or 1 ?g/ml C-AgNP20 treatment, respectively. Furthermore, the mRNA expression level of TNF-? was significantly decreased by 1 ?g/ml C-AgNP20 after 24 h of culture. *Discussion* The present study demonstrated that the sublethal dose of C-AgNP20 (?1 ?g/ml) had an inhibitory effect on the cytokine mRNA expression levels of cPBMCs with the evidence of Th2 cytokine bias and significantly decreased the mRNA expression level of TNF-?. Th2 cytokine bias is associated with enhanced immunity against parasites but decreased immunity to intracellular microorganisms. TNF-? is a contributing factor for the inflammatory response against the infection of intracellular pathogens. In summary, our data indicate that C-AgNP20 suppresses the cellular immune response and thereby increases the susceptibility of cetaceans to infection by intracellular microorganisms. *You can have the article in https://peerj.com/articles/5432/ **or by email: heerolee1104 at gmail.com * Cheers, Wen-Ta -- Wen-Ta Li, DVM, PhD Veterinary Pathologist, Graduate Institute of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, National Taiwan University Veterinarian/Director, Taiwan Cetacean Society -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From bruno at thebdri.com Sun Sep 30 09:57:29 2018 From: bruno at thebdri.com (Bruno Diaz Lopez) Date: Sun, 30 Sep 2018 16:57:29 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [MARMAM] Marine Mammal Research Experience: BDRI Internship Program 2019 References: <557363476.1635644.1538326649226.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <557363476.1635644.1538326649226@mail.yahoo.com> Marine Mammal Research Experience: BDRI Internship Program 2019 On behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) , I am pleased to announce that we are currently accepting applications for our Internship Program 2019. Graduates and students from a wide range of disciplines are all able to apply for a training period at BDRI. The BDRI, a marine science and education centre, offers unique hands-on marine research experiences designed to foster success in both undergraduate and postgraduate fields. If you are planning to embark on a career in the field of marine mammal science, then an internship at BDRI will be ideal for you. BDRI scientists conduct research across a wide range of subject areas that link marine top predators (cetaceans, otters, and marine birds) ecology with their physical environment, society and population dynamics; explore their interactions with human activities (such as fisheries, aquaculture and marine traffic); and investigate their behaviour and acoustic communication. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION - This internships program enables aspiring marine scientists to work in conjunction with leading marine biologists as they undertake ground-breaking research on the charismatic marine mega-fauna in one of the most productive oceanic regions on the world (Galicia, North-western coast of Spain). The incredible diversity of cetaceans present in these waters (up to 22 different species recorded) allows the BDRI team to have several ongoing research projects focused on the study of the ecology and behaviour of bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, Risso?s dolphins, common dolphins, pilot whales, humpback whales, minke whales, sei whales, fin whales, and blue whales. Lasting between one and nine months, there?s a variety of research projects that will help you explore what you may want to do long term. With state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, participants will be trained to get involved with multiple research projects involving a combination of boat-based surveys onboard research vessels, land-based observations, laboratory work (photo-identification, GIS, bioacoustics, diet analysis, diving behaviour, video analysis, database work, etc), and strandings (response, rescue, necropsy, and data collection). While you will benefit from specialized research training, you will need the drive to make the most of our research programs working side by side with the chief biologist (Dr. Diaz Lopez), and other experienced researchers (S. Methion, PhD cadidate & marine ecologist and Oriol Giralt, Phd candidate & marine biologist). The BDRI is a very international environment, and the everyday working language is English. Laboratory work days typically last six hours and field days occur several times per week (weather dependent). There will be two days off per week. HOW TO APPLY ? Research experiences are open to all applicants 18 years of age or older. An academic background in biology, veterinary or natural science, coupled with motivation and interest in marine research make the most qualified individuals. Start and end dates are flexible depending on the needs of the institute and the intern?s availability, but the position requires a minimum of 30 days continuous commitment sometime between January 2019 through to end November 2019. BDRI internships are not paid and this training experience requires a tuition fee which is used to off-set the cost of training, use of research equipment, facilities and research vessels, accommodation in an apartment with other participants, and other expenses (access to wifi, kitchen utensils, electricity, taxes, insurances, etc). Successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research centre (O Grove, Galicia, Spain). Interested candidates should submit an e-mail to: severine at thebdri.com ,and we will provide you further information about the program. Approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Positions are open until filled (maximum 12 vacancies). For more information about BDRI's research projects, please visit or our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/thebdri> Some of our ex-interns shared their BDRI internship experience at: https://youtu.be/UAuO2XasBnw Scientific articles published by the BDRI in the last two years (for a full list of publications please visit: ) - Diaz Lopez, B & Methion, S. (2018) Does interspecific competition drive patterns of habitat use and relative density in harbour porpoises? Marine Biology (2018) 165:92. http://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-018-3345-8 - Methion, S. & Diaz Lopez, B. (2018) Abundance and demographic parameters of bottlenose dolphins in a highly affected coastal ecosystem. Marine and Freshwater Research https://doi.org/10.1071/MF17346 - Diaz Lopez, B., L?pez, A., Methion, S., & Covelo, P. (2017). Infanticide attacks and associated epimeletic behaviour in free-ranging common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 1-9. doi:10.1017/S0025315417001266 - Diaz Lopez B. and Methion S., 2017. The impact of shellfish farming on common bottlenose dolphins? use of habitat. Marine Biology 164: 83. - Diaz Lopez, B., Grandcourt, E., Methion, S., Das, H., Bugla, I., Al Hameli, M., Al Hameri, H., Abdulla, M; Al Blooshi, A; Al Dhaheri, S.(2017). The distribution, abundance and group dynamics of Indian Ocean humpback dolphins (Sousa plumbea) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (UAE). Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 1-9. doi:10.1017/S0025315417001205 - Diaz Lopez B., 2017. Temporal variability of predator presence around a fin fish farm in the North-western Mediterranean Sea. Marine Ecology 38(1), e12378. Best regards, and see you in Galicia! Bruno D?az L?pez Ph.D Chief biologist and Director The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI Avenida Beiramar 192, O Grove 36980, Pontevedra, Spain www.thebdri.com 0034 684248552 Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Instagram. Mention us on Twitter. This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be legally privileged or contain proprietary and private informations. It is intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not an intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this email. If received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your system immediately. Please note that neither the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI nor the sender accept any responsibility for any viruses and it is your responsibility to scan the email and the attachments (if any). Thank you for your cooperation. From oceanwatch at gmail.com Tue Sep 25 13:54:12 2018 From: oceanwatch at gmail.com (Nova Atlantis) Date: Tue, 25 Sep 2018 20:54:12 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] =?utf-8?q?World_premiere_of_documentary_on_Risso?= =?utf-8?q?=E2=80=99s_dolphins?= Message-ID: Dear All, We would like to inform you that our documentary ?SCARS ? politics in the big blue? about the Risso?s dolphins off Pico Island, Azores, will have its world premiere at the Wildlife Conservation Film festival in New York on 22 October 2018. In this film, our 19 consecutive years of scientific research into the social ecology of Risso?s dolphins in the Azores (including a PhD thesis) have been summarized for a larger audience. The trailer can be found here . All the best, Karin Hartman, Nova Atlantis Foundation-Azores -- Karin Hartman Bestevaerstraat 124 HS 1056 HS Amsterdam 0031-20 772 21 28 0031-618 66 78 40 Nova Atlantis Foundation Risso's Dolphin Research Center Rua Dr. Freitas Pimentel 11 9930-309 Santa Cruz das Ribeiras Lajes do Pico Azores -Portugal www.nova-atlantis.org 00351-292 678 121 00351-912 798 666 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From shane.guan at noaa.gov Sun Sep 30 16:56:22 2018 From: shane.guan at noaa.gov (Shane Guan - NOAA Federal) Date: Sun, 30 Sep 2018 19:56:22 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Short Course on Bioacoustics and Ecoacoustics at the Victoria ASA Meeting, 4-5 Nov. 2018 Message-ID: Dear Colleagues, I would like to inform you of the availability of a short course on Bioacoustics and Ecoacoustics at the upcoming Acoustical Society of America (ASA) meeting in Victoria, Canada. Detailed information follows: *Introduction*Bioacoustics and Ecoacoustics are rapidly developing disciplines to study and monitor ecosystems by their soundscape composition. This is a worldwide emerging research area aimed at monitoring, and possibly contrasting, the decline of biodiversity impacted by habitat reduction and degradation due to both local human activities and global environmental changes (climate changes and chemical pollution). The acoustic environment, also known as soundscape, has been recognized to be an essential component of ecosystems, thus worth of being studied, monitored, protected, and even restored when altered by human activities. In this context, sounds have the potential to serve science, conservation and also education. Ecoacoustics joins bioacoustics and ecology as an interdisciplinary science that investigates natural and anthropogenic sounds and their relationship with the environment over a wide range of study scales, both spatial and temporal, including populations, communities, and landscapes. Ecoacoustics operates in all types of terrestrial and aquatic (freshwater and marine) ecosystems extending the scope of acoustics and bioacoustics. Sounds can be both the subject and the tools of ecological research. As the subject, sounds are investigated in order to understand their evolution, functions and properties under environmental pressures. As tools, sounds are used to study and monitor animal diversity, abundance, behaviour, dynamics and distribution, and their relationship with ecosystems and the environment. *Objective* The objective of the course is to provide scholars with a solid foundation to understand bioacoustics and ecoacoustics, the equipment needed to do acoustic research and monitoring, the software tools, the applications in the different fields, ranging from basic research to environmental monitoring and protection. The course will include topics related to both terrestrial and marine bioacoustics and ecoacoustics, soundscape analysis, noise pollution, digital sound recording and analysis, also considering the importance of the acoustic environment for the human beings. *Instructor* Gianni Pavan is a Researcher at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences of the University of Pavia, in Italy. He teaches Bioacoustics and Ecology in the Master courses of ?Nature Sciences? and ?Experimental and Applied Biology?. Since the Master degree in Nature Sciences he got in 1983 with a thesis on the computer analysis of bird songs, he dedicated his research time to bioacoustics, computational bioacoustics, marine bioacoustics and, in the last decade, to ecoacoustics. Founder of the Interdisciplinary Center for Bioacoustics and Environmental Research (CIBRA) in 1989, he participated in many international activities for the study and protection of marine mammals. *Program* Sunday, 4 November 2018, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday, 5 November 2018, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. *Registration* The full registration fee is USD $300 (USD $125 for students) and covers attendance, instructional materials and coffee breaks. The number of attendees will be limited so please register early to avoid disappointment. Only those who have registered by 8 October 2018 will be guaranteed receipt of instruction materials. For additional information on registration, please visit ASA Victoria meeting website: https://acousticalsociety.org/asa-meetings/. If you miss the preregistration deadline and are interested in attending the course, please send an email to asa at acousticalsociety.org. For additional information regarding the Victoria ASA meeting, please visit https://acousticalsociety.org/asa-meetings/ Cheers, Shane -- Shane Guan, Ph.D. National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Protected Resources 1315 East-West Highway, Suite 13826 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Tel: 301-427-8401 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From yeaterd at sacredheart.edu Sun Sep 30 12:03:27 2018 From: yeaterd at sacredheart.edu (Yeater, Prof. Deirdre M.) Date: Sun, 30 Sep 2018 19:03:27 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Study Abroad Bimini, The Bahamas - Application Deadline Dec. 15 Message-ID: STUDY ABROAD BIMINI, THE BAHAMAS BI/PS 247 Bimini Field Course in Cetacean Ecology for Biology/Psychology Majors and Non-Majors/Majors elective (3 Credits) Summer 2019: May 31 - June 6, 2019 Please apply before December 15, 2014! Led by Dr. Deirdre Yeater in the Sacred Heart University Psychology department in collaboration with Dolphin Communication Project, this course will examine the behavioral and social ecology of coastal cetaceans, particularly Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. You will enjoy a hands-on learning experience with wild dolphins, in the beautiful waters surrounding the island of Bimini in the Bahamas. On the program, you will earn three credits while learning to record and analyze dolphin behaviors. You will also learn about ecotourism and human impacts on the marine environment. The field work at Bimini will consist of 4 to 5 hour boat surveys. If the group is able to make underwater observations, you will be assisting in the use of underwater slates, video cameras, and digital still cameras. The number of students accepted will be limited by the size of the research vessel. Therefore, you should apply as soon as possible. You MUST be able to swim and snorkel as part of the program. Application Deadline January 5! For more information, contact: Sacred Heart University Office of Global Affairs studyabroad at sacredheart.edu www.sacredheart.edu/studyabroad http://studyabroad.sacredheart.edu/program/?pid=23462&program=summer-dolphin-communication-project or Dolphin Communication Project http://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/ Deirdre Yeater, Ph.D Associate Professor Sacred Heart University 5151 Park Avenue Fairfield, CT 06825 Phone: 203-365-4870 Fax: 203-371-7998 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: