February 2009 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Summer Internships - Bottlenose dolphin research
by Bruno Diaz 15 Feb '09

15 Feb '09

Hi everyone, on behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI (www.thebdri.com) I am pleased to announce that there are still places available for our 2009 Summer Internships (a minimum of 7 weeks of participation between June - September) in Sardinia Island, Italy. The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI is a marine science and education centre committed to conserving the diversity and integrity of marine life to meet the needs of current and future generations. BDRI's researchers are engaged in the conduction of a long term study about the ecology and behaviour of wild bottlenose dolphins and the potential effects of human activities (fisheries, aquaculture and tourism) in their distribution and behaviour. An internship period with the BDRI offers an invaluable exposure to boat based field work,marine mammals research, intensive training and mentoring in marine biology. Undergraduate and postgraduate students can present their BDRI's personal research project as their Thesis. Internships can be used for academic or vocational purposes, but students are solely responsible for making all arrangements for receiving relevant credit(s) as a result of completing the internship. Interns can expect to participate in and learn a variety of facets of marine mammal research as research assistants in two diverse research projects: 1. Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins societies project: We will take and analyse identification photos, study group structure and composition to refine details of dolphin societies and responses to human activities at sea. Volunteers assist with data collection onboard helping to locate, photograph and keep track of bottlenose dolphin groups. Back at the lab volunteers restock field supplies, analyse photos and transcribe data collected. 2. Effects of man-made noise pollution on dolphins’ communication and behaviour: We will examine acoustic characteristics of bottlenose dolphins’ vocal signals and we will compare these characteristics with those of man-made noise in order to investigate effects of noise exposure on the dolphins’ behaviour and communication. Internships will actively participate in data collection onboard and monitor dolphins vocalizations. Back at the lab volunteers restock field supplies, analyse and transcribe acoustical data collected. There is an internships cost of 35€-40€/day and BDRI will provide housing and all associated field costs during the internships period (training, use of materials, field work, electricity, gas, boat trips, etc). There is no compensation for these internship positions and successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research camp (Sardinia, Italy). There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Apply early! Start and end dates are flexible. Positions are open until filled. Please download the internships general information at: www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/internships.pdf and the application from: www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/applicationinternships.rtf Send cover letter or inquiries by email to the Research Chief, Bruno Diaz Lopez, at info(a)thebdri.com. Please indicate in your cover letter the dates you are available. Selected scientific publications by BDRI: 1. Diaz Lopez, B and Shirai, J.A., 2008. Whistles characteristics and repertoire of wild bottlenose dolphins in Sardinia Island, Italy. RIMMO 16 ème Conférence Internationale sur les Cétacés en Méditerranée, Nice France, 15 November 2008. 2. Diaz Lopez B., Bunke, M. and Shirai, J.A., 2008. Marine aquaculture off Sardinia Island (Italy): ecosystem effects evaluated through a trophic mass-balance model. Ecological Modelling 212: 292-303. 3. Diaz Lopez, B., Shirai, J.A.; Bilbao Prieto, A. & Méndez Fernández, P., 2008. Diving activity of a solitary wild free ranging bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Marine Biological Association U.K. 88(6): 1153-1157. 4. Diaz Lopez B. and Shirai, J.A., 2008. Marine aquaculture and bottlenose dolphins social structure. Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology 62(6): 887-894. 5. Diaz Lopez B. and Shirai, J.A., 2007. "Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) presence and incidental capture in a marine fish farm on the noth-eastern coast of Sardinia (Italy)" Journal of Marine Biological Association U.K, 87, 113-117. 6. Diaz Lopez, B., 2006. "Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Predation on a Marine Fin Fish Farm: Some Underwater Observations". Aquatic Mammals 32(3): 305 - 310 pp. 7. Diaz Lopez, B., 2006. Interactions between Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and gillnets off Sardinia. ICES Journal of Marine Science 63:944-951 pp. 8. Diaz Lopez, B., 2005. Interactions between bottlenose dolphins with trammel nets in the Sardinia Island. International Council for Exploration of the Sea Document CM 2005/X 1. 9. Diaz Lopez, B., 2005. Interaction between bottlenose dolphins and fish farms: could there be an economic impact? International Council for Exploration of the Sea Document CM 2005/X 10. 10. Diaz Lopez, B., Marini, L., Polo, F., 2005. The impact of a fish farm on a bottlenose dolphin population in the Mediterranean Sea. Thalassas 2005, 21(2): 53-58. Bruno Diaz Lopez Research Biologist / Marine Zoologist Chief Researcher The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI V.Armando Diaz Nº4 07020 Golfo Aranci (SS) Italy http://www.thebdri.com info(a)thebdri.com Tel: + (39) 346 0815414

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Re: [MARMAM] Disentangling small cetaceans
by Kathrynwoodward 14 Feb '09

14 Feb '09

Dear MARMAMERS, We are currently working for Archipelagos Institute of Marine and Environmental Research of the Aegean Sea and are producing a leaflet for local fishermen regarding what they should do if a marine mammal becomes entangled in their nets or lines. In particular we will be looking at the Mediterranean Monk Seal, Monachus monachus and small cetaceans. We have found a range of literature regarding larger cetaceans but are unable to find anything relevant for smaller cetaceans. We gather that specialist training may be needed and would appreciate any advice and suggestions. Yours, Kathryn Woodward (kathrynwoodward(a)hotmail.co.uk)

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Job Announcement: Research Assistants/Observers
by Lucie Hazen 13 Feb '09

13 Feb '09

Please post the following job announcement: Duke University Marine Laboratory is seeking potential applicants for two full-time Research Assistant positions to conduct aerial/shipboard surveys for marine mammals and sea turtles in a proposed Navy training range off Jacksonville FL. Surveys will commence in April 2009, following a brief period of training, and be conducted year-round. Details on duties, experience required and desirable qualifications are outlined below. Duties: Observers will collect visual, acoustic and photographic data relating to the distribution, behavior and ecology of marine mammals and sea turtles. The observers will also assist in the preparation of reports on the above topics and maintain an archive of sightings and photo-identification data. The observers will be required to participate in surveys aboard chartered aircraft and research vessels in offshore waters (>50 km). Experience: One to three (1-3) years of experience in collecting, and processing biological and ecological data pertinent to the study of marine mammal biology and ecology. A bachelor's degree in a related field is required and a Masters degree is preferable. Desirable Qualifications: Experience working with photo-identification catalogs is desirable. Experience with passive acoustic hardware and acoustic analysis software is highly desirable. Proficiency with ArcGIS 9, ArcView 3, or other GIS software is also desirable. If interested, please submit your resume to Lucie Hazen (ljhazen(a)duke.edu) by February 28.

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physiological adaptations to deep diving
by MARMAM Editors 13 Feb '09

13 Feb '09

>From Dan Mingea (thechair_man(a)hotmail.com) Dear Marman, I am a physician, nearing retirement age. I have sought answers to whale internal anatomy and whale physiology for several years, consulting many old books and the 'net. I have often found descriptions of whale external anatomy (I know they have flukes), but I have always run into deadends trying to ascertain specific adaptive mechanisms for prolonged diving to depths. I am well-aware of the phenomenon of "diving reflex" in humans. I am particularly interested in physiological adaptations (hemoglobin, myoglobin, acid-base balance, hemoglobin dissociation curves, etc.) in the whale that make the whale different from me: why can I not dive deep for a long time? What is different? I don't want to dive deep, but I do want to know why the whale can. I hope you can steer me in the right direction. G. Dan Mingea, MD, FAAP ------------------------------------------------------------------- -To submit a message to MARMAM, send it to: marmam(a)lists.uvic.ca -Please include your name and e-mail address in the body of the text of all submissions. -To subscribe to MARMAM, go to lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam -To contact the MARMAM editors, write to: marmamed(a)uvic.ca

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Society for Marine Mammalogy Student Abstract Mentoring Service
by lynnee.williams＠duke.edu 13 Feb '09

13 Feb '09

Society for Marine Mammalogy Student Abstract Mentoring Service If you are a student submitting an abstract for either an oral or poster presentation to the upcoming 18th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals (to be held in Quebec City October 12-16, 2009) and English is not your first language, you are eligible for the abstract mentoring service. This service provides free editorial assistance with grammar and composition to abstracts that have been prepared in English. The idea of the mentoring service is to make sure that the original ideas of the student author are clearly expressed in English. This service will not translate abstracts into English or offer guidance with scientific content. The deadline for using this service is Sunday, March 1, 2009. Please submit your abstract in the proper format for submission to Lynne Williams (lynnee.williams(a)duke.edu) as soon as possible, but no later than March 1, 2009. Your abstract will be returned to you with suggested revisions as quickly as possible, with all abstracts to be returned by March 31, 2009. Abstracts received after March 1 will not be edited. Please note that you are responsible for the on-line submission of your abstract. If you have any questions about the student abstract mentoring service, please contact Lynne Williams at the above e-mail address. More information on the upcoming Biennial Conference can be found on the Society for Marine Mammalogy?s website (http://www.marinemammalogy.org/) Thanks! Lynne Williams, SMM Student Member-at-Large 135 Duke Marine Lab Rd. Beaufort, NC 28516

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US Federal Government Interagency Task Force on Anthropogenic Sound and the Marine Environment -- REPORT AVAILABLE
by Brandon Southall 13 Feb '09

13 Feb '09

Colleagues, The final report from the U.S. federal government's Interagency Task Force on Anthropogenic Sound and the Marine Environment, /Addressing the Effects of Human-Generated Sound on Marine Life: An Integrated Research Plan for U.S. Federal Agencies/, is now available. The report's direct link is http://ocean.ceq.gov/about/docs/iatf_finalreport_09.pdf The suggested reference for this report is: Southall, B., Berkson, J., Bowen, D., Brake, R., Eckman, J., Field, J., Gisiner, R., Gregerson, S., Lang, W., Lewandoski, J., Wilson, J., and Winokur, R. 2009. Addressing the Effects of Human-Generated Sound on Marine Life: An Integrated Research Plan for U.S. federal agencies. Interagency Task Force on Anthropogenic Sound and the Marine Environment of the Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology. Washington, DC. The following overview is from the cover letter of the report, co-signed by the heads of the Council on Environmental Quality and the Office of Science and Technology Policy (Executive Office of the President of the United States of America): "Whether and how human-generated sounds in the ocean affect marine life has become an issue of increasing awareness, within scientific and regulatory circles as well as among the general public. Many activities vital to our society, including the actions of many U.S. Federal agencies, introduce sound into the marine environment. Consequently, there is much interest and effort involved in understanding associated environmental impacts and developing ways of minimizing them. A number of U.S. Federal agencies are actively engaged in advancing the science and technologies needed to address these challenging issues. This report provides an explicit interagency roadmap for the next decade to focus and prioritize research efforts addressing this issue. It summarizes collective research efforts by U.S. Federal agencies in several key areas and includes a number of specific and prioritized research recommendations regarding future efforts, with particular emphasis on interagency collaboration. Finally, it summarizes some general coordinating actions and means of increasing the transparency and public recognition of ongoing interagency efforts in this field. The findings indicate that many of the challenging scientific, regulatory, and legal issues regarding underwater sound can be addressed with focused, prioritized, and sustained effort coordinated among the U.S. Federal agencies. We hope it will be useful to a broad range of interested parties." Thank you for your interest and help in ensuring that this document is as useful as possible in guiding future research efforts. Brandon Southall ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brandon L. Southall, Ph.D. Director, NOAA Ocean Acoustics Program National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Science and Technology 1315 East West Hwy, SSMC III #12539 Silver Spring, MD 20910-6233 Brandon.Southall(a)noaa.gov 301-713-2363 x163 (office) 301-713-1875 (FAX) http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/acoustics/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ -- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brandon L. Southall, Ph.D. Director, NOAA Ocean Acoustics Program National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Science and Technology 1315 East West Hwy, SSMC III #12539 Silver Spring, MD 20910-6233 Brandon.Southall(a)noaa.gov 301-713-2363 x163 (office) 301-713-1875 (FAX) http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/acoustics/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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New publication on the "whales eat fish" issue in Science
by Lyne Morissette 13 Feb '09

13 Feb '09

Scientists Conclude That Culling Whales Will Not Help Fisheries in Tropical Regions Science Article Weighs In on International Whaling Commission Debate WASHINGTON - Culling whales will not increase fisheries catches in tropical waters, according to a new paper supported by the Lenfest Ocean Program and published today in the journal Science. For years, Japan has argued that reducing the number of baleen whales in the oceans would improve fisheries because whales eat fish that are caught for human consumption. The study published today found that even a complete eradication of whale populations in tropical waters would not lead to any significant increase in fish populations. Many countries in Western Africa and the Caribbean have been persuaded by Japan to join the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and vote in favor of resuming commercial whaling with the understanding that culling whales would result in increased fisheries catches. “Our models unequivocally show that removing whales would not significantly increase the amount of commercially valuable fish,” said Dr. Leah Gerber, lead author and associate professor of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Science at Arizona State University. “Instead, we found that fishing is having a far greater bearing on the health of the fish stocks in the region. Interestingly, when whales were more abundant before World War II, the fisheries were in good shape.” “The assertion that whales are competing with fisheries for food is, on the surface, very persuasive, because it seems intuitive that these large animals must be consuming enormous amounts of food,” said Dr. Kristin Kaschner, an author based at the Evolutionary Biology and Ecology Lab at the University of Freiburg, Germany. “However, competition within ecosystems is a complex issue and needs to be investigated using the appropriate scientific tools.” The authors constructed ecosystem models, which account for feeding interactions between whales and fish, to understand the role that baleen whales play in tropical marine ecosystems in Western Africa and the Caribbean, where baleen whales are known to breed. The scientists used global and regional data, validated through scientific workshops in Senegal and Barbados, to determine whether competition was occurring. “An ocean ecosystem is greater than the sum of its parts. Removing whales from the equation does not increase the number of fish and impacts the health of the overall system,” said Dr. Lyne Morissette, an author based at the Institut des Sciences de la Mer de Rimouski, Canada. “We need to focus on truly effective and sustainable management approaches to recover our fisheries.” The researchers suggest these results underscore the important role of science in policy decisions about whales and fisheries interactions. They also emphasize that the goal of ecosystem-based management should not be to manipulate individual components of food webs in an attempt to maximize the amount of fish to catch, but to manage the whole system for long-term sustainability. “All countries should adopt leadership roles in a common effort to manage our fisheries better,” said Dr. Daniel Pauly, an author from the University of British Columbia. “The assertion that fish supply is in peril is legitimate, but the problem is resolved with better management, not whaling.” For additional information, including the access to the full version of this Science article, visit www.lenfestocean.org/whales_fisheries.html Lyne Morissette, Ph.D. Institut des Sciences de la Mer de Rimouski (ISMER) 310, allée des Ursulines, C.P. 3300 Rimouski, QC G5L 3A1 (418) 723-1986, ext. 1981 lyne.morissette(a)globetrotter.net

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Marine Mammal Research Volunteer Positions 2009
by Jenn Tackaberry 13 Feb '09

13 Feb '09

Marine Mammal Research Volunteer Positions 2009 (For a detailed description and application, please see our website at www.whalecenter.org/intern.htm) The Whale Center of New England, located in Gloucester, MA, is a non-profit research organization involved with the study of the behavior, ecology, and natural history of the whales and dolphins found in the waters off of Massachusetts. The Whale Center is also heavily involved with habitat conservation and education programs. In addition to the internship positions, we are currently looking to fill research volunteer positions for the summer (May 25-August 21) semester of 2009. Start and end dates may be flexible for the volunteer position. The Whale Center of New England volunteer position provides experience needed to further pursue fields in marine biology and animal behavior. It is our goal to provide college students and recent graduates with the opportunity to collect valuable information important to the marine mammal field and to see how this information is used in management and conservation efforts in this area. These duties may include, but are not limited to: extensive photo-identification and computer work (training provided), field data collection aboard commercial whale watching vessels and our 42’ research vessel The Mysticete, attendance at necropsies (whale autopsies), marine mammal stranding response, and attendance at conferences and meetings. There is no fee required for the volunteer position. The volunteer is required to find their own housing and provide a means of transportation to the boats we work on in Boston and Gloucester, MA (the Whale Center will not be providing any means of financial assistance). Volunteer applicants should have the following: * A background in biology, zoology, or related field * Some knowledge of research methods and design * An ability to work, live and communicate well with others * Enthusiasm and dedication to work long days (sometimes 12 hours or more) in the field or lab * Completed their freshmen year at the time of application In order to apply for the volunteer position: please send a resume, a cover letter detailing your reason(s) for applying, one letter of reference, and an updated transcript. Once your application has been received, an interview will be arranged. In-person interviews are preferred, necessitating travel to Gloucester, MA, during one of two weekends in March 2009 (to be determined at a later date). All applications must be submitted by March 1, 2009. Applicants should note that they are interest in the volunteer position rather then the internship position. Application materials and questions regarding the internship should be directed to the intern coordinator: Jenn Tackaberry Jennifer Tackaberry P.O. Box 159 Gloucester, MA 01930 978-281-6351 (office) 978-281-5666 (fax) jenn(a)whalecenter.org No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.552 / Virus Database: 270.10.23/1951 - Release Date: 2/13/2009 6:51 AM

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Marine Mammal Monitoring project leader
by Lynch, Grainne 13 Feb '09

13 Feb '09

Marine mammal monitoring programme project leader Applications are invited for a nine month position leading a marine mammal monitoring programme in Co. Mayo on the west coast of Ireland. The marine mammal monitoring programme is grant aided by Shell E&P Ireland through RSK Environment Ltd. The candidate will ideally be a postdoctoral researcher, employed through the Coastal and Marine Resources Centre (CMRC), University College Cork http://cmrc.ucc.ie <http://cmrc.ucc.ie/> and will need to be based close to the study area in Broadhaven Bay, Co. Mayo. Background: Under a development plan for the CORRIB gas field off western Ireland, Enterprise Energy Ireland Ltd. commissioned the Coastal & Marine Resources Centre (CMRC), University College Cork to conduct an independent cetacean monitoring programme in northwest Ireland in 2001 - 02. Due to the findings of preliminary field surveys in 2001 the study’s remit was expanded to also include other marine mammal species recorded in the study area. Research was undertaken in Broadhaven Bay (candidate Special Area of Conservation - cSAC), County Mayo and its adjoining coastal waters. The programme of marine mammal monitoring was continued in 2005 and 2008 during the CORRIB development’s marine phases, to safeguard protected species from potential impacts. Research efforts are currently being continued in 2009 and potentially into 2010. Position: We are recruiting a project leader to coordinate the marine mammal monitoring programme. The position will be for April-December 2009 initially with potential extension in 2010 pending further funding. Candidate: The researcher will require the following skills profile: * A PhD in any area of marine mammal ecology (preferable but not essential) * Relevant marine mammal research/monitoring experience * Knowledge of marine mammal survey methodologies * Experience of cetacean photo identification techniques * Experience of acoustic monitoring of cetaceans (TPODs and CPODs currently used in the project) * Experience of GIS (e.g. ArcGIS), databases (e.g. Access) and metadata standards * Experience with statistical analysis and preferably statistical modelling * Good publication track record * Proven ability of team leadership and excellent oral and written communication skills * Demonstration of project management and networking skills * Proven ability to work in a small research group ideally in a remote location Duration and salary: Duration is initially for 9 months (and potentially longer) conditional upon future funding and a review after a three month period. Salary (gross) is €51,840 pa with an additional monthly living allowance of €200. Application: The closing date for applications is Friday 6th March 2009. Candidates should submit their curriculum vitae including references and a cover letter via email to Grainne Lynch: grainne.lynch(a)ucc.ie.

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PhD student course 2009 organized by CAnMove
by Keith Larson 13 Feb '09

13 Feb '09

Dear All, We would like to announce that we are again giving the international PhD student course in Ecology of Animal Migration at the Department of Ecology at Lund University and organized by CAnMove (Centre for Animal Movement Research). The course will be held 29 Sept-9 October 2009, and you will find more information (preliminary program, registration etc) on our web page: http://orn-lab.ekol.lu.se/birdmigration/ During the course lectures will be given by invited experts in their field, there will be seminars, own projects with practice of field equipment as well as an excursion. There will be ample time for interactions between students and lecturers and we invite PhD students from any country to participate in the course. Please, contact Keith Larson (Keith.Larson(a)zooekol.lu.se) for registration. Very Welcome to a very stimulating and exciting course! Susanne Åkesson and Thomas Alerstam *************************************************** Keith Larson, PhD Student Department of Animal Ecology Lund University Ecology Building Sölvegatan 37 22362 Lund Sweden Tel: +46 (0)46 2229310 Fax: +46 (0)46 2224716

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