October 2008 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Habitat modeling paper
by Leigh Torres 10 Oct '08

10 Oct '08

Dear Colleagues, I would like to bring your attention to the following paper that was recently published in Ecological Applications. In particular, I believe this paper will be of interest to those who are working on predictive habitat models of marine mammals. The article may be downloaded from ftp://ecap-18-06-07_07-1455_rfp:1807@ftp.esa.allenpress.com or by request to me. Cheers, Leigh Torres Torres, L., Read, A., and Halpin, P. 2008. Fine-scale habitat modeling of a top marine predator: Do prey data improve predictive capacity? Ecological Applications. 18(7), 1702-1717. Abstract: Predators and prey assort themselves relative to each other, the availability of resources and refuges, and the temporal and spatial scale of their interaction. Predictive models of predator distributions often rely on these relationships by incorporating data on environmental variability and prey availability to determine predator habitat selection patterns. This approach to predictive modeling holds true in marine systems where observations of predators are logistically difficult, emphasizing the need for accurate models. In this paper, we ask whether including prey distribution data in fine-scale predictive models of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) habitat selection in Florida Bay, Florida, USA, improves predictive capacity. Environmental characteristics are often used as predictor variables in habitat models of top marine predators with the assumption that they act as proxies of prey distribution. We examine the validity of this assumption by comparing the response of dolphin distribution and fish catch rates to the same environmental variables. Next, the predictive capacities of four models, with and without prey distribution data, are tested to determine whether dolphin habitat selection can be predicted without recourse to describing the distribution of their prey. The final analysis determines the accuracy of predictive maps of dolphin distribution produced by modeling areas of high fish catch based on significant environmental characteristics. We use spatial analysis and independent data sets to train and test the models. Our results indicate that, due to high habitat heterogeneity and the spatial variability of prey patches, fine-scale models of dolphin habitat selection in coastal habitats will be more successful if environmental variables are used as predictor variables of predator distributions rather than relying on prey data as explanatory variables. However, predictive modeling of prey distribution as the response variable based on environmental variability did produce high predictive performance of dolphin habitat selection, particularly foraging habitat. Leigh G. Torres Post-doctoral researcher National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) 301 Evans Bay Parade, Greta Point, Kilbirnie, Wellington, New Zealand. E-mail: l.torres(a)niwa.co.nz

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symposium announcement
by Isabelle Charrier 10 Oct '08

10 Oct '08

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce that our proposal for organizing a symposium of Acoustic communication in terrestrial and aquatic mammals has been accepted by the Organization Committee of the 10th International Mammalogical Conference, which will be hosted in Mendoza, Argentina next year. We would like to invite all the bioacousticians to submit their proposals to take part in this event. The symposium will consist of two types of presentations (please refer to the attachment for further information): a) Oral presentations: Because the symposium is planned to last 3 hours and a half, we are limited to 6-7 speakers maximum. Hence, we ask all those who are interested in participating as speakers to send us a 2-page written proposal (in English) of the topic you are studying that involves acoustic communication (aerial or underwater) in mammal species, what are your main results and how this research has contributed to the growth of a particular biological discipline in your country and in general. We would appreciate if you could also send us your contact information (work affiliation and e-mail address). Speakers will have 20 minutes and presentations should be done in English, the official language of the conference. b) Posters: Due to the amount of people we expect for this event, we asked the IMC organization committee permission to organize a satellite poster session after the symposium, so students, professors and researchers working in different aspects involving acoustic communication can gather together to exchange ideas, discuss different perspectives and learn more about vocal communication and how they serve as interesting study model in different areas of research. Those of you who are interested in participating in this poster session should send a brief description of your area of research and your contact information as well. Deadline for submission of proposals to participate in the symposium and/or the satellite poster session is July 20th. Proposals should be emailed to Ana Paula Cutrera: acutrera8(a)gmail.com We hope to see you all next year in Mendoza! Kind regards, Isabelle Charrier ************************************************************************ Isabelle CHARRIER Equipe Communications Acoustiques, NAMC-CNRS UMR 8620 Université Paris Sud, Bat.446, 91405 Orsay, FRANCE Tel:(33-1).69.15.68.26 Fax:(33-1).69.15.77.26 Email: isabelle.charrier(a)u-psud.fr Isabelle's website: http://pinniped.free.fr/ Bioacoustics Team website: http://www.cb.u-psud.fr/ ************************************************************************

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volunteers for dolphin research in Australia 2009
by Andre Steckenreuter 09 Oct '08

09 Oct '08

The Marine Mammal Research Group of the Macquarie University in Sydney is currently looking for volunteers during the winter season 2009. The boat-based surveys will be carried out in the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park, 200 km north of Sydney, from 23rd February to 23rd March 2009. Interns will participate in the field on a daily basis collecting behavioural data of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in conjunction with the impact of dolphin-watching boats. The internship offers an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain field training in photo-identification methodology and analysis with experienced dolphin researchers. Ideal internship applicants are at least undergraduates of a scientifically oriented university subject. Preferably, participants should have a motor boat driving license and/or experience in marine mammal photo-ID. Accommodation and food are provided during the stay but applicants are responsible for all travelling expenses to and from the field site. Interested applicants should contact Andre Steckenreuter: astecken(a)gse.mq.edu.au _______________________________________________________________________ Jetzt neu! Schützen Sie Ihren PC mit McAfee und WEB.DE. 30 Tage kostenlos testen. http://www.pc-sicherheit.web.de/startseite/?mc=022220

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Job opportunity at U.S. Marine Mammal Commission
by Mina Innes 09 Oct '08

09 Oct '08

The U.S. Marine Mammal Commission is seeking qualified applicants for the Assistant Scientific Program Director position (GS 12/14). To learn more about this position, please go to USAJobs (http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/) and search for the announcement number MM-09-01 or by the control number 1357711. Applications are due no later than November 20. Thanks, Mina Wilhelmina Innes Research Program Officer Marine Mammal Commission 4340 East-West Hwy., Rm. 700 Bethesda, MD 20814 301.504.0087 301.504.0099 fax

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Remote sensing for marine research workshop announcement, November 20/21
by Dähne Michael 08 Oct '08

08 Oct '08

Sorry for crossposting The workshop: Remote sensing to assess the distribution and abundance of seabirds and marine mammals: Possible applications for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) will be held in Stralsund/Germany, November 20/21 2008. The assessment of distribution and abundance of marine mammals and seabirds is essential for the monitoring of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and crucial in the course of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), e.g. for the construction of wind farms. The most commonly used techniques such as standard line transect surveys with ships or planes are costly, heavily influenced by weather conditions and can provide statistically sound results only for larger areas. This necessitates thinking about new methods to enable researchers and consultancies to find appropriate measures for nature protection as well as reasonable ways to incorporate species protection into marine building activities. A possible solution for these specific problems could be the increased use of remote sensing methods to reduce cost and logistic effort. While high-definition video surveys have already been used for the monitoring of larger whales and seabirds it is questionable, whether its resolution is adequate for smaller mammals and birds. In these cases, the higher resolution of still images might be preferable. The following workshop will focus on the current applications of remote sensing for marine and terrestrial research and the possibilities to employ Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for such research aims. One important issue of this workshop will be the general discussion of remote sensing technologies and their use in the research of marine mammals and avifauna. The second part of the workshop will be dedicated to UAV-technologies, their possible future use, availability to non-military users and current limitations. Advantages and disadvantages of UAVs shall be highlighted. The presentations will demonstrate the wide range of current and future applications of UAV’s for monitoring environmental issues on sea and land. The workshop is organized by the German Oceanographic Museum in Stralsund in cooperation with the Rostock University. The workshop will be held in Stralsund, Germany in the new-built facilities of the OZEANEUM from November 20th noon to November 21st noon. A detailed workshop programme will be provided to registered participants four weeks in advance. A preliminary is attached to this e-mail. The workshop fee will be 20 € for participants. In accompany with the workshop, a special dinner will be offered in the evening of the 20th November for an additional charge of 28 €. Best regards Michael Dähne and Görres Grenzdörffer German Oceanographic Museum Museum für Meereskunde und Fischerei ∙ Aquarium Stiftung des bürgerlichen Rechts Katharinenberg 14-20 18439 Stralsund Tel.: +49 (3831) 2650-391 Fax: + 49 (3831) 2650-249 michael.daehne(a)meeresmuseum.de www.meeresmuseum.de <http://www.meeresmuseum.de/> Director Dr. Harald Benke Ust. ID Nr.: DE 162 772 269 Steuernr.: 082/141/02545

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Authorizations and Permits for Protected Species (APPS) online permit system launch
by Kate Swails 08 Oct '08

08 Oct '08

The NOAA Fisheries Service's Office of Protected Resources, Northwest Regional Office, and Southwest Regional Office are pleased to announce the launch of the Authorizations and Permits for Protected Species (APPS) online permit system. The goal of APPS is to provide a consolidated location where researchers can apply online for several different types of permits under the authority of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972. (https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov <https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov/>) APPS covers permits/authorizations for a variety of different species including, but not limited to, sea turtles, Pacific salmonids, shortnose sturgeon, whales, dolphins, seals, and sea lions. The types of permits and authorizations that are currently available online through APPS are: . MMPA/ESA scientific research/enhancement . MMPA/ESA parts . ESA 10(a)(1)(A) scientific research/enhancement . 4(d) authorizations for Pacific marine and anadromous fish APPS includes a Pre-Application Guide (PAG) to tell researchers what type of permit they need, if any. The PAG informs the user how to obtain the appropriate application online or by contacting a permit analyst. Besides providing the convenience of applying for a permit online, APPS offers researchers a variety of advantages both during the application process and after their permit has been issued. APPS provides researchers the security of a password-protected profile. Researchers have a customized Portfolio page that displays all current and previous permits that they are/were affiliated with. Applications can be edited until the researcher is ready to submit. Researchers have the ability to track their application through the review and clearance process. By viewing the Status page, researchers can find out whether their application has been published in the Federal Register, who has been assigned as their permit analyst, and what types of analyses (e.g., National Environmental Policy Act) are required. After a permit has been issued, researchers can continue to access APPS to instantly view their take tables, personnel list, and other key dates. Permit holders can request modifications to their permits via APPS. Annual, incident, and final reports may also be submitted online. Permit holders will automatically receive emails reminding them of when their reports are due and recommending when they should begin preparing a new application. If researchers are currently a NMFS permit holder they will need a temporary password to log in and view their portfolio for the first time. Contact the Office of Protected Resources, Permits Conservation, and Education Division for more information (301) 713-2289. Please note: You may still submit paper applications if you prefer.

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Pilot whale stranding in Utila, Honduras
by Edita Magileviciute 08 Oct '08

08 Oct '08

Dear MarMams, On the 6th of October, 2008 five pilot whales were found stranded on the east coast of Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras. At a time of discovery all animals were dead. Local veterinarian was trying to do post-mortem examination but the sea conditions make it difficult. Thus, the cause of the stranding is still unknown. It is the second cetacean stranding on this small island of Honduran Caribbean this year. In January two Cuvier's beaked whales were found on the south coast of the island. For more information on the pilot whale stranding please contact Dr. Steve Box (Utila Centre for Marine Ecology) at: steve(a)utilaecology.org

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Cetacean Research Internship Opportunity
by aliza milette 07 Oct '08

07 Oct '08

*Internship Opportunity*: The Dolphin Institute (TDI), Ko Olina, Hawai'i is offering a limited number of internships for college-level students to assist in field surveys of cetaceans, in processing of obtained data, and in development and presentation of marine conservation education programs for local students and the general public. TDI is a marine mammal science and education center located at Ko Olina in leeward Oahu that focuses on whales and dolphins in Hawaiian waters. It is directed by Dr. Adam Pack, Assistant Professor at University of Hawai'i at Hilo, and Dr. Louis Herman, an emeritus professor at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. Further information on TDI can be found at www.dolphin-institute.org. During the winter of 2008-2009, TDI will focus on surveys of cetaceans off the Leeward Coast of Oahu, on processing and analyzing our archives of dolphin and humpback whale data, and on public education programs. The internship is part time and unpaid. Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation to Ko Olina. On-water research will be conducted aboard our 19 or 21foot outboard boats. Data processing and analysis will take place at the Ko Olina lab. Public education may take place at our learning center at the Ko Olina lab, at public venues, or at local schools. Interns can expect to participate in and learn a variety of facets of marine mammal research including: Photo-identification Digitizing and enhancing identification photographs Behavioral recording Data entry and analysis Conservation Boat safety Familiarity with cetacean research and literature Public education. We are accepting applicants immediately. Interns must complete at least three full days for a three-month period. Interns who are interested is staying longer will be evaluated at the end of the three-month period. The internship begins at the end of November 2008 and ends at the end of February 2009. Requirements: College or post-college education preferred; experience in research; two letters of recommendation; ability to work closely and harmoniously in a team atmosphere; self-motivation. Desirable qualifications: Marine mammal experience, experience with computer programs such as Aperture, Photoshop, FileMaker Pro, digital photography experience. Placement for this internship is highly competitive. TDI is looking for extremely motivated and dedicated individuals. Send cover letter indicating why you are seeking this internship and why you feel you are qualified, complete resume, college transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. *Send applications or inquiries by email* to the Field Project and Education Coordinator, Aliza Milette, at AJMilette(a)gmail.com. Positions are open until filled, but early application is encouraged. -- Aliza J. Milette Field Project & Education Coordinator Cetacean Project The Dolphin Institute AJMilette(a)gmail.com office: 808-679-3690

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publication
by Mark Baumgartner 07 Oct '08

07 Oct '08

Colleagues, The following paper was recently published in a special issue of a journal that does not typically print marine mammal articles (sad as that may be). I thought some of you may be interested. The article is freely available for download at http://aslo.org/lo/toc/vol_53/ issue_5_part_2 or by request to me. Kind regards, Mark Baumgartner Baumgartner, M.F. and D.M. Fratantoni. 2008. Diel periodicity in both sei whale vocalization rates and the vertical migration of their copepod prey observed from ocean gliders. Limnology and Oceanography 53: 2197-2209. Abstract: The daily activity cycles of marine predators may be dictated in large part by the timing of prey availability. For example, recent studies have observed diel periodicity in baleen whale vocalization rates that are thought to be governed by the diel vertical migration of their zooplanktonic prey. We addressed this hypothesis by studying associations between sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) vocalization rates, oceanographic conditions, and the vertical distribution of the whales’ prey, the calanoid copepod Calanus finmarchicus, during May 2005 in the southwestern Gulf of Maine using an array of autonomous ocean gliders. Each of the four gliders was equipped with sensors to measure temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll fluorescence. Three of the four gliders carried a digital acoustic recorder and the fourth carried a 1-MHz acoustic Doppler current profiler. We observed strong diel periodicity in the acoustic backscatter measured by the current profiler that we attribute (based on a corroborating shipboard study) to the diel vertical migration of C. finmarchicus. Sei whale vocalization rates also exhibited diel periodicity, with more calls detected during the daytime when C. finmarchicus was observed at depth. We found no evidence to suggest that the observed patterns in sei whale calling rates were attributable to diel periodicity in background noise or acoustic propagation conditions. Sei whales are adept at foraging on nearsurface aggregations of C. finmarchicus; therefore we expect that the whales were feeding at night. We hypothesize that calling rates are reduced at night while the whales are feeding, but increase with social activity during the day when copepods are either more difficult or less efficient to capture at depth. The gliders’ persistence during adverse weather conditions experienced during the study allowed continuous collocated observations of whale vocalization behavior and oceanographic conditions that have not been previously possible with traditional shipboard techniques. Mark Baumgartner Assistant Scientist Biology Department Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution MS #33, Redfield 256 Woods Hole, MA 02543 mbaumgartner(a)whoi.edu http://www.whoi.edu/sites/mbaumgartner (508)289-2678 phone (508)457-2134 fax

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Job opportunity - Marine Ornithologist / Offshore Survey Manager
by Paul Gill 06 Oct '08

06 Oct '08

Job Vacancy - Marine Ornithologist/ Offshore Survey Manager Environmentally Sustainable Systems Ltd (ESS) is a well established UK-based consultancy operating primarily in the offshore ornithological survey and assessment market. With experience on over seventy offshore and onshore renewable energy projects, we are diversifying into emerging offshore and terrestrial markets, including wave and tidal, housing, commercial and other terrestrial developments. Due to expansion in the offshore wind, wave and tidal sectors we are currently seeking a highly experienced marine ornithologist with good knowledge of marine mammals to lead offshore survey and assessment work including marine ecological impact assessment studies and ongoing monitoring. The post will be based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Candidates must possess: · Expert knowledge of UK seabirds and ideally marine mammals. · Proven track record in organising and leading offshore surveys. · Project management and report writing skills. · Experience of GIS and databases. · High level of organisation, adaptability and ability to work in a team. - Please find an outline of roles, responsibilities, and criteria below application details We offer a competitive salary with attractive training and development prospects and strong commitment to environmental excellence, the highest H&S standards and the pursuit of high quality standards. Interviews will take place in Edinburgh in late October 2008. Closing date for applications is 14:00 14th October 2008 To apply for the above post please fill out the application form at http://www.ess- ltd.co.uk/ information/ recruitment. php (please use as many pages as necessary and expand boxes to fit your requirements) , and send along with a covering letter to paul@ess- ltd.co.uk or by post to: Paul Gill (Director), Environmentally Sustainable Systems Ltd, 70 Cumberland Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6RE. The Job: Roles and Responsibilities: 1. Managing seabird and marine mammal surveys. 2. Co-ordinating and liaising with offshore contractors, boat skippers and clients. 3. Data coding, summarisation and presentation in interim reports, using database and macros. 4. Data searches, evaluation, analysis and interpretation. 5. Producing maps using ArcView GIS. 6. Writing offshore reports. 7. Writing offshore tender documents and quotations. 8. Financial management of offshore projects 9. Quality management, health, safety and environment risk assessment. 10. Attending client meetings, conferences, seminars and workshops. 11. Assisting other Project Managers where appropriate. 12. Tracking bird and marine mammal survey and research, biodiversity assessment and EcIA. 13. Tracking offshore markets and targeting work opportunities. 14. Developing effective stakeholder networks & relationships 15. Contributing to systems for continuous improvement and problem prevention 16. Undergoing Safety and Professional Training as appropriate 17. Reporting directly to Director The Person: Essential Criteria: · Must have expert seabird and good marine mammal identification skills. · Educated ideally to degree level or above (at least diploma or equivalent) in a relevant discipline · Proven track record in organising and leading offshore surveys · Project Management and report writing experience with attention to detail · Proven track record in delivering high quality outputs to agreed deadlines to meet project execution and deliverables within budget · Ability to work well under pressure and be able to use own initiative in a self motivated fashion · A genuine concern for environmental issues, and a sympathetic interest in renewable energy. · Capacity to understand clients needs and design cost- effective solutions to meet these. · Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and GIS (preferably ArcView*). · Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills · Capacity to rapidly grasp, evaluate and present complex information from a variety of sources. · Good communication skills both verbal and written · High level of organization and adaptability Desirable Criteria: · Expert marine mammal identification skills and practical knowledge of survey techniques · Knowledge and experience of biodiversity assessment and/or ecological impact assessment. · Masters degree in a relevant discipline. · Practical experience in ESAS seabird surveying techniques. · Up to date Personal Sea Survival Techniques/BOSIET/ HUET Certificates. · First class customer care, networking and telephone skills Paul Gill MIIEM Principal & Director ESS Ltd 70 Cumberland Street Edinburgh EH3 6RE Tel: 0131 556 9119 Fax: 0131 556 9118 E-mail: paul(a)ess-ltd.co.uk Website: http://www.ess-ltd.co.uk Please consider the environment and only print emails where necessary

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