November 2009 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Sea Watch Foundation: Marine Research volunteers required for 2010 field season
by Gemma Veneruso 17 Nov '09

17 Nov '09

Sea Watch Foundation – Research Volunteering opportunity in Cardigan Bay for 2010 Volunteers are invited to assist the Sea Watch Foundation (www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk) with the running of the “Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project”. The project is based in New Quay, West Wales, and takes care of the conservation management of the bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and grey seal populations of Cardigan Bay, monitoring their abundance, distribution, reproductive success and population structure using a combination of line-transect, photo-identification, land-based and acoustic surveys. The volunteers will help the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Officer and the Sightings Officer by taking part in the following tasks: · Land-based surveys · Boat-based surveys · Photo-identification studies · Database entry · Awareness raising · Education initiatives · Acoustic monitoring · Assist with and participate in training courses and public talks. Volunteers are required from April until October 2010, for 4 separate periods of 6 weeks each. Preference will be given to those who can stay for more than one period, including the whole 6-months field season. Volunteers will be based in New Quay, West Wales. Accommodation is provided at a rate of around £55/week. Volunteers are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and living expenses, but it is generally quite easy to obtain part-time paid work in the area if required. Volunteering periods for summer 2010: Period 1 26/04 – 6/06, Period 2 7/06 – 18/07, Period 3 19/07 – 29/08, Period 4 30/08 – 10/10 Important skills/qualifications Essential: · an ability to work in a meticulous and reliable manner · strong commitment to volunteering work · willingness to work long hours outdoors in often very changeable Welsh weather · good IT skills (Office package) · an ability to get on well with others in a small team and shared accommodation Desirable: · a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar · a strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans · prior experience in boat-based survey work · good verbal and written communication skills and in public speaking · experience in interacting with the public All volunteers will be trained in cetacean observation and identification, in line-transect survey protocols and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins and grey seals. To apply: Please send your cv, covering letter and contact details of two references, reporting any relevant experience you have and specifying the period(s) you would prefer to volunteer for to Daphna Feingold (daphna.feingold(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk) Deadlines: 31st of January 2010. Please specify NEW QUAY VOLUNTEER APPLICATION into your subject title. Applicants will be notified of the outcomes by the 22nd of February 2009. The Sea Watch Foundation The Sea Watch Foundation is a registered marine environmental research charity that aims to achieve better conservation of whales and dolphins in the seas around Britain and Ireland, by involving the public in scientific monitoring of populations and the threats they face. At Sea Watch Wales, we are dedicated to raising awareness, knowledge and conservation of the marine wildlife of West Wales. Our work is funded by the Countryside Council for Wales, Defra, Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and we work closely with the local management authority, Ceredigion County Council. Research The purpose of our research here is to monitor the marine mammal populations inhabiting Cardigan Bay, so as to gain information to aid the conservation and long-term well being of these animals and the local marine environment. This is achieved by conducting various projects including: Estimating the abundance and distribution of bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises and grey seals within Cardigan Bay using distance sampling and opportunistic boat surveysMaintaining and updating a catalogue of photographically identified bottlenose dolphins in Wales in order to study their abundance, social structure, movements and life histories.Acoustic monitoring of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises in the Cardigan Bay SAC using automated click detectors (T-PODs) and hydrophones.Setting up a library of underwater sounds in Welsh waters in order to develop bio-acoustic research in the area. We further aim to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of the local marine wildlife and the habitats supporting them, to encourage respect and conservation of the area and its wildlife for future generations. We also run training courses for the public in cetacean identification and survey methods. _________________________________________________________________ Use Hotmail to send and receive mail from your different email accounts http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/186394592/direct/01/

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Sea Watch Foundation: Voluntary Research Assistant/Volunteer Coordinator required for 2010 field season
by Gemma Veneruso 17 Nov '09

17 Nov '09

The Sea Watch Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to marine research, conservation, and public education is seeking applications for the following: RESEARCH ASSISTANT/VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR IN CARDIGAN BAY 2010 This position is responsible for assisting the Monitoring Officer in the running of the “Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project” and coordinating the project volunteers. The project is based in New Quay, Ceredigion, West Wales, and involves the conservation management of the bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and grey seal populations of Cardigan Bay, monitoring their abundance, distribution, reproductive success and population structure using a combination of line-transect, photo-identification, land-based and acoustic surveys. This long-term project was established in 2001 and is overseen by Dr Peter Evans, Director of Sea Watch. Start Date: April 12th 2010 End Date: October 18th 2010 Responsibilities will include (but are not limited to): Coordination between the Monitoring Officer/Sightings Officer and the project volunteers – in charge of the volunteer house and the volunteer weekly office rota.Assisting the Monitoring Officer/Sightings Officer in volunteer basic training of land- and boat based surveys, photo ID studies, database entry and more.Assisting the Monitoring Officer/Sightings Officer in all phases of the research.Optional: Undertaking a personal research project supervised by the Monitoring Officer – research topic will be chosen according to Sea Watch Foundation requirements and applicant’s interests. Requirements: The successful applicant is expected to have at least a BSc degree in biology, marine biology, zoology, or related field, and be able to demonstrate previous experience in marine mammal research. A strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans and some boating experience are beneficial. The applicant should be proficient with Access, databases and word processing software. Experience in GIS would be advantageous. The preferred candidate should have a proven track record as a team player as the project will involve working closely with other researchers but also should be able to supervise small groups of people as they will be coordinating at least 6 volunteers. They must also be self-motivated with the drive and determination to work independently and responsibly. This post brings the opportunity to submit work for scientific publication. This position is unpaid but accommodation expenses will be covered. To apply: Please send your CV, a cover letter and contact details of two references reporting relevant experience to Daphna Feingold (daphna.feingold(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk) Deadline: 31st January 2010. Please specify RESEARCH ASSISTANT/VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR in your subject title. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by the 22nd February 2010. The Sea Watch Foundation The Sea Watch Foundation is a registered marine environmental research charity that aims to achieve better conservation of whales and dolphins in the seas around Britain and Ireland, by involving the public in scientific monitoring of populations and the threats they face. At Sea Watch Wales, we are dedicated to raising awareness, knowledge and conservation of the marine wildlife of West Wales. In recent years, our work has been funded by the Countryside Council for Wales, Defra, Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and we work closely with the local management authority, Ceredigion County Council. Research The purpose of our research here is to monitor the marine mammal populations that inhabit Cardigan Bay, so as to gain information to aid the conservation and long-term well being of these animals and the local marine environment. This is achieved by conducting various projects including: Estimating the abundance and distribution of bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises and grey seals within Cardigan Bay using distance sampling and opportunistic boat surveysMaintaining and updating a catalogue of photographically identified bottlenose dolphins in Wales in order to study their abundance, social structure, movements and life histories.Acoustic monitoring of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises in the Cardigan Bay SAC using automated click detectors (T-PODs) and hydrophones.Setting up a library of underwater sounds in Welsh waters in order to develop bio-acoustic research in the area. We further aim to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of the local marine wildlife and the habitats supporting them, to encourage respect and conservation of the area and its wildlife for future generations. We also run training courses for the public in cetacean identification and survey methods. _________________________________________________________________ View your other email accounts from your Hotmail inbox. Add them now. http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/186394592/direct/01/

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List of errata: XXXII International Meeting for Marine Mammals (SOMEMMA)
by Ibiza Martínez Serrano 16 Nov '09

16 Nov '09

> > Sorry for inconvenience, date should say 2010 and not 2008... > > Xalapa, Veracruz, México > > 2-6 May 2010 > > First Announcement > > Convened by: > Universidad Veracruzana (UV) > Sociedad Mexicana de Mastozoología Marina (SOMEMMA) > > Theme: > > “Marine Mammals: bioindicators of the marine ecosystem health” > > > Pre-Registration: > In order to be able to estimate the number of attendees to the > conference, please send us an e-mail (somemma2010(a)gmail.com) to let > us know about your intention to participate. > > Workshops: > The organization of the workshops (registration, materials, > lecturers) will be responsibility of the conveners, while SOMEMMA > will facilitate space and audiovisual equipment. For information > please contact Eduardo Morteo emorteo(a)gmail.com > > Venue: > Hotel Xalapa www.hotelxalapa.com.mx > Victoria esq. Bustamante > Col. Centro > Xalapa, Ver. > Tel: +52 (228) 8182222 > 01800 2602600 > > > More information about how to join SOMEMMA: www.somemma.org > > Information about Xalapa: > o http://www.xalapa.gob.mx > o http://www.veracruz.gob.mx > o http://www.veratur.gob.mx > o http://www.uv.mx > o http://www.zonaturistica.com/veracruz/xalapa > o http://www.xalapamio.com > o http://www.agoradelaciudad.com > > For questions, please e-mail somemma2010(a)gmail.com > > > SEE YOU IN XALAPA!!!! > > > M. en C. Ibiza Martínez Serrano > Organizing Committee President > Universidad Veracruzana > > > - Antes de imprimir este correo, asegúrese de que realmente lo > necesita. Una tonelada de papel reciclado puede salvar 17 árboles y > 100,000 litros de agua

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EXTRA Marine Mammal Observer and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Course in Dec 2009
by Yvonne Miles 16 Nov '09

16 Nov '09

Hi All *Scanning Ocean Sectors – A Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) training company and Joint Nature Conservation Committee – JNCC, recognised course for industry and research.* We have years of research behind the effective training of MMOs with courses adapted to the requirements of the clients, and taught by professionals in their specialised fields. With fully trained and experienced MMOs teaching. Each student is graded in their certificates to ensure the *quality standard * of the MMO industry is gaining. *DUE TO DEMAND WE **ARE** RUNNING TWO EXTRA COURSES FOR 2009* * * *Registration will close two weeks before course starts.* * Passive Acoustic Monitoring course for MMOs* *DECEMBER PAM course is 15th & 16th 2009* *And* *DECEMBER MMO Course 17th – 19th 2009* *This course is booking up quickly so don’t leave it late* Please visit our website for more information and to register for all courses *Note * *When you register for a course the course prices will be sent directly to you* *Note – There are limited numbers for each course so please book early to avoid disappointment. This is a 3 **FULL** day INTENSIVE course * If anyone is interested in advertising in our newsletter please contact us for the next issue www.scanningoceansectors.org info(a)scanningoceansectors.org -- Yvonne Miles 9 Long Street Point Vernon Hervey Bay QLD 4655 Australia 0431 824 063 mob 07 4124 8320 land line info(a)scanningoceansectors.org www.scanningoceansectors.org

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XXXII International Meeting for the Study of Marine Mammals SOMEMMA2010
by Ibiza Martínez-Serrano 15 Nov '09

15 Nov '09

Xalapa, Veracruz, México 2-6 May 2008 First Announcement Convened by: Universidad Veracruzana (UV)Sociedad Mexicana de Mastozoología Marina (SOMEMMA) Theme: “Marine Mammals: bioindicators of the marine ecosystem health” Pre-Registration: In order to be able to estimate the number of attendees to the conference, please send us an e-mail (somemma2010(a)gmail.com) to let us know about your intention to participate. Workshops: The organization of the workshops (registration, materials, lecturers) will be responsibility of the conveners, while SOMEMMA will facilitate space and audiovisual equipment. For information please contact Eduardo Morteo emorteo(a)gmail.com Venue: Hotel Xalapa www.hotelxalapa.com.mx Victoria esq. Bustamante Col. Centro Xalapa, Ver. Tel: +52 (228) 8182222 01800 2602600 More information about how to join SOMEMMA: www.somemma.org Information about Xalapa: o http://www.xalapa.gob.mx o http://www.veracruz.gob.mx o http://www.veratur.gob.mx o http://www.uv.mx o http://www.zonaturistica.com/veracruz/xalapa o http://www.xalapamio.com o http://www.agoradelaciudad.com For questions, please e-mail somemma2010(a)gmail.com SEE YOU IN XALAPA!!!! M. en C. Ibiza Martínez SerranoOrganizing Committee President Universidad Veracruzana - Antes de imprimir este correo, asegúrese de que realmente lo necesita. Una tonelada de papel reciclado puede salvar 17 árboles y 100,000 litros de agua

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Article on the Marine Mammal Commission
by Wallace, Richard 13 Nov '09

13 Nov '09

Dear Marmam folks, I wanted to share an article I've just had published, another take on the social side of marine mammal conservation, appearing in Policy Sciences. The article will appear in the print edition of the journal early next year, but is now available in its "Online First" edition. The citation and abstract are as follows: Wallace, R.L. and K.A. Semmens. 2009. Social and institutional challenges in species and ecosystem conservation: an appraisal of the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission. Policy Sciences (Online First edition): http://www.springerlink.com/content/fh322291604q8876/. Abstract: In the pantheon of U.S. environmental law, only one federal statute-the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972-has created an independent oversight agency with explicit authority to conduct appraisals of and make recommendations on all regulatory agency actions under the law. That agency, the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission, is the subject of our analysis. Using a semi-structured survey and participant observation, we assess the commission's operations under its legislative mandate, using criteria from the literature on policy-oriented professionalism. Our findings indicate a dichotomy between the Commission's oversight of other agencies' marine mammal programs and the manner in which it self-evaluates, learns, and evolves on the basis of its experience, with strongly pragmatic approaches to its appraisal of other agencies' programs, contrasted with weak appraisal of its own operations. Please contact me if you're interested in a pdf of the paper. Sincerely, Rich Wallace -- Richard L. Wallace, Ph.D. Associate Professor Environmental Studies Program Ursinus College P.O. Box 1000 Collegeville, PA 19426 (610) 409-3730 (610) 409-3660 fax rwallace(a)ursinus.edu <mailto:rwallace@ursinus.edu>

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Abnormal swelling in Stenella frontalis: summary of responses
by Fabian Ritter, MEER e.V. 13 Nov '09

13 Nov '09

Dear All, Thanks to everybody who responded to our previous posting concerning the abnormal swelling observed in a young spotted dolphin off La Gomera (Canary Islands). We have received a multitude of comments as well as a variety of ideas and diagnoses, including a conclusive one. Several similar observations were described, involving both spotted dolphin calves in the Azores and the Canaries as well as a juvenile/young adult male grey seal. We have placed some additional images from our colleagues on our website at: http://m-e-e-r.de/index.php?id=458&L=2 <http://m-e-e-r.de/index.php?id=458&L=2> Potential reasons for the abnormal swelling in the spotted dolphin calf included the following: - congenital umbilical hernia - contaminants responsible for dysfunction of the endocrine system - congested mammary glands - a "good slam" causing internal swelling and hemorrhage - rudimentary hind limbs - some type of tumour - parasitic/bacterial infection (crassicauda, brucella, etc.) Moreover, a small animal veterinarian explained that in young cats there is a disease called fibroadenomatous hyperplasia that makes the mammary glands swell quite significantly. Finally, our colleagues from the University of Las Palmas/Gran Canaria (ULPGC) resolved the puzzle by describing a similar case they had a few years ago: A stranded spotted dolphin calf was necropsied and the ULPGC pathologists found the reason to be a bacterial abscess, most probably caused by a (secondary) infection of a /Phyllobotrium delfini/ cyst. This infection could have been caused by an open wound, and the abscess apparently had grown exuberantly so as to cause an obstruction of the ureter, which in turn lead to the death and the stranding of the animal. An image of this animal can be seen following the link above. Thank you all again, I hope this will be of interest to other researchers coming across something similar in the future. Greetings, Fabian

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Listen up! OSPAR's first analysis of man-made underwater sound pollution!
by Frank Thomsen (Cefas) 12 Nov '09

12 Nov '09

Dear colleagues The OSPAR commission for the protection of the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic has just published two reports on underwater noise. It took quite some time to consent on both documents, but it is done! Please see web link for the press release and further information: http://www.ospar.org/content/news_detail.asp?menu=00600725000000_000008_ 000000 All the Best Frank ________________________________ Frank Thomsen Marine Scientific Advisor, Cefas Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0HT, UK Tel: +44 (0)1502 52 4284 www.cefas.co.uk *********************************************************************************** This email and any attachments are intended for the named recipient only. Its unauthorised use, distribution, disclosure, storage or copying is not permitted. If you have received it in error, please destroy all copies and notify the sender. In messages of a non-business nature, the views and opinions expressed are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the organisation from which it is sent. All emails may be subject to monitoring. ***********************************************************************************

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Position at Cornell University (BARN developer)
by Tim Krein 12 Nov '09

12 Nov '09

This position is available in the Bioacoustics Research Program at Cornell University - it has been posted on the Jobs at Cornell on-line posting and application system at http://www.ohr.cornell.edu/jobs/ <http://www.ohr.cornell.edu/jobs/index.html> - if you know of anyone that might be interested in this position, please have them apply. Here is the direct link: https://cornellu.taleo.net/careersection/10164/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=18… BARN Software Developer (11534) Programmer Analyst II - Band E 2 positions available _Description_: · Contribute to the development and maintenance of web-based sound analysis software tools and support ongoing and future research in the field of animal bioacoustics at the Bioacoustics Research Program at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Current scientific research projects supported by our software involve the study of communication systems and behavior in whales, elephants, migrating birds, endangered birds, and other birds. · Under guidance of project lead, perform tasks to help move forward the overall set of tools provided by the group through the BARN project, http://barn.xbat.org <http://barn.xbat.org/>. The BARN project develops tools to support the creation of networked annotated sound libraries. Our web-based tools allow users to maintain and richly annotate sound collections in support of their research. · Collaborate with local and remote end users to answer questions, investigate and recreate problems, and recommend resolutions. · Meet with team to discuss solutions, take advice from lead regarding the implementation of solutions. · Implement data conversion utilities, user interface features, and other software features designed by self or others to fit into established architecture. · Develop features to facilitate the acquisition, curation, scanning, review, and reporting of acoustic data and metadata to support the field of bioacoustics research. · Tasks may include but are not limited to file upload methods; metadata manipulation and storage; web browser-based user-initiated scan, review, and reporting; integration of signal processing components into a workflow; and development of tagging and filtering schemes. · Develop software using a variety of technologies (Ruby, Javascript, RDBMS, MATLAB, LAMP, others as needed) to stretch the possibilities of the system for the research community. · Collaborate within a team environment to provide documentation to developers and end users for the best ways to use the software. · Provide consultation and training to staff, faculty, students, and visiting research colleagues to use the innovative technologies available. _Required Qualifications_: · Bachelor's degree with three to four years relevant experience or equivalent combination. · Experience maintaining source code using version control. · Experience with software design and development using two or more of the following technologies: Ruby (various frameworks and tools: Rails, RSpec, Sinatra, Capistrano, gems), Javascript (jQuery, JSON, Processing.js), RDBMS (SQL, MySQL, SQLite, JDBC), MATLAB (signal, image processing, data-visualization), LAMP maintenance and administration. · Proven ability to learn new programming languages quickly. · Experience with web-design for data-driven and/or multi-media applications. · Must be able to communicate technical language clearly in layman's terms. · Demonstrable skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and clear written and oral communication. · Ability to work well with a diverse group in a professional and respectful work environment. _Preferred Qualifications_: · Master's degree desired in computer science, computer engineering, or related field preferred. · Coursework in statistics, machine-learning, data-mining or database systems. · Experience applying and developing data-mining strategies and systems; knowledge of analytical and statistical tools, as well as general tools for graphing and figure drawing. · Experience performing independent literature searches and scientific research. · Experience writing software in Python, Java, and/or PHP. · Experience working on software projects outside a classroom environment. · Knowledge of and experience using XML.

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New papers on North Atlantic whale abundance
by Daniel Pike 10 Nov '09

10 Nov '09

Hello I would like to announce the recent publication of the following 3 papers in *NAMMCO Scientific Publications* Volume 7, North Atlantic Sightings Surveys: Counting whales in the North Atlantic, 1987-2001. The volume is available at www.nammco.no, and pdf reprints are available from me at kinguq(a)gmail.com. Regards, Daniel Pike. Pike, D.G., Víkingsson, G.A., Gunnlaugsson, Th. and Øien, N. 2009. A note on the distribution and abundance of blue whales (*Balaenoptera musculus*) in the Central and Northeast North Atlantic. *NAMMCO Sci. Publ*. 7:19-29. The distribution and abundance of blue whales (*Balaenoptera musculus*) was assessed from ship surveys conducted in the Central and Northeast Atlantic in 1987, 1989, 1995 and 2001. Blue whales were most commonly sighted off western Iceland, and to a lesser extent northeast of Iceland. They were very rare or absent in the Northeast Atlantic. Sightings were combined over all surveys to estimate the detection function using standard line transect methodology, with the addition of a covariate to account for differences between surveys. Total abundance was highest in 1995 (979, 95% CI 137-2,542)and lowest in 1987 (222, 95% CI 115-440). Uncertainty in species identity had little effect on estimates of abundance. There was a significant positive trend in abundance northeast of Iceland and in the total survey area. Pike, D.G., Gunnlaugsson, Th., Víkingsson, G.A., Desportes, G. and Bloch, D. 2009. Estimates of the abundance of minke whales (*Balaenoptera acutorostrata*) from Faroese and Icelandic NASS shipboard surveys. *NAMMCO Sci. Publ*. 7:81-93. North Atlantic Sightings Surveys for cetaceans were carried out Northeast and Central Atlantic in 1987, 1989, 1995 and 2001. Here we provide estimates of density and abundance for minke whales from the Faroese and Icelandic ship surveys. The estimates are not corrected for availability or perception biases. Double platform data collected in 2001 indicates that perception bias is likely considerable for this species. However comparison of corrected estimates of density from aerial surveys with a ship survey estimate from the same area suggests that ship surveys can be nearly unbiased under optimal survey conditions with high searching effort. There were some regional changes in density over the period but no overall changes in density and abundance. Given the recent catch history for minke whales in this area, we would not expect to see changes in abundance due to exploitation that would be detectable with these surveys. Pike, D.G., Paxton, C.G.M., Gunnlaugsson, Th. and Víkingsson, G.A. 2009. Trends in the distribution and abundance of cetaceans from aerial surveys in Icelandic coastal waters, 1986-2001. NAMMCO Sci. Publ. 7:117-142. Aerial surveys were carried out in coastal Icelandic waters 4 times between 1986 and 2001 as part of the North Atlantic Sightings Surveys. The surveys had nearly identical designs in 3 of the 4 years. The target species was the minke whale (*Balaenoptera acutorostrata*) but all species encountered were recorded. Sighting rate and density from line transect analysis were used as indices of relative abundance to monitor trends over the period, and abundance estimates corrected for perception biases were calculated for some species from the 2001 survey. More than 11 species were sighted, of which the most common were the minke whale, humpback whale (*Megaptera novaeangliae*), dolphins of genus *Lagenorhychus*, and the harbour porpoise (*Phocoena phocoena*). Minke whales and dolphins showed little change in distribution or abundance over the period. There were an estimated 31,653 (cv 0.30) dolphins in the survey area in 2001. Humpback whales increased rapidly at a rate of about 12%, with much of the increase occurring off eastern and northeastern Iceland. In 2001 there were an estimated 4,928 (cv 0.463) humpback whales in the survey area. The relative abundance of harbour porpoises decreased over the period, but estimates for this species were compromised by uncorrected perception biases and poor coverage. The ecological and historical significance of these findings with respect to previous whaling activities and present-day fisheries is discussed.

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