March 2009 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Thank You Ocean Report features Tagging of Pacific Predators
by Sarah Wilson 05 Mar '09

05 Mar '09

Dear Marmam Members, In this week's Thank You Ocean Report, Policy Coordinator Shana Miller from the Tag-A-Giant Foundation discusses the Tagging of Pacific Predators (TOPP) program. Through the TOPP program, scientists are now able to track species that travel all over the Pacific with the latest electronic tagging technology. (Photo of tagged Laysan albatross; (c)Michelle Kappes, courtesy of TOPP) The TOPP program features marine mammals, such as Northern elephant seals http://www.topp.org/species/elephant_seals We invite you to listen to the podcast by going to http://www.thankyouocean.org/podcast/. A new Thank You Ocean Report podcast will be posted approximately every two weeks. You can subscribe to the podcast by visiting http://www.thankyouocean.org/podcast and clicking on the podcast feed of your choice (iTunes, Yahoo, Google, etc.) The Thank You Ocean Report focuses on interesting and exciting California ocean topics such as marine mammals, the latest news on ocean health, timely ocean issues and fascinating ocean facts. Stories feature interviews with ocean experts, explorers, scientists, conservationists, government and business leaders. Listeners learn about ocean activities and recreation, surfing, fishing, boating, and the many ways we all can thank the ocean through conservation and stewardship. Many thanks to the Ernest F. Hollings Ocean Awareness Trust Fund and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation for their support of the Thank You Ocean Report podcasts. Sincerely, Brian Baird Assistant Secretary for Ocean and Coastal Policy, California Resources Agency Co-Chair, California Thank You Ocean Campaign and Matt Stout Communications Branch Chief, NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Co-Chair, California Thank You Ocean Campaign ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sincerely, Sarah Wilson Educator M/Y Seven C's www.sevencsadventure.com andThank You Ocean Web Coordinator www.thankyouocean.org National Marine Sanctuaries Foundation sarahw-thankyouocean(a)hotmail.com Get LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah4ocean Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail

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ICES paper on porpoise echolocation around North Sea gas installations
by Victoria Todd 05 Mar '09

05 Mar '09

Dear MARMAMs, I am pleased to announce the publication of the following open access paper on porpoise echolocation: Todd, V. L. G., Pearse, W. D., Tregenza, N. C., Lepper, P. A., and Todd, I. B. (2009): Diel echolocation activity of harbour porpoises (/Phocoena phocoena/) around North Sea offshore gas installations. ICES Journal of Marine Science Advance Access published March 4, 2009, doi: 10.1093/icesjms/fsp035, 12 pp. A PDF of the abstract or the full article can be downloaded from the following links. Alternatively, if you have any problems accessing the site, please email me (v.todd(a)oceanscienceconsulting.com) for a copy. Kind regards, Victoria Todd Ocean Science Consulting Ltd. Abstract: http://icesjms.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/fsp035?ijkey=ob2Y7WR… <http://icesjms.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/fsp035?ijkey=ob2Y7WR…> Full Text: http://icesjms.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/fsp035?ijkey=ob2Y7WRohw7… <http://icesjms.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/fsp035?ijkey=ob2Y7WRohw7…> PDF: http://icesjms.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/fsp035?ijkey=ob2Y7WRohw7w1Dp&… <http://icesjms.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/fsp035?ijkey=ob2Y7WRohw7w1Dp&…> The full citation for your article is: /Diel echolocation activity of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) around North Sea offshore gas installations / Victoria L. G. Todd; William D. Pearse; Nick C. Tregenza; Paul A. Lepper; Ian B. Todd 2009; doi: 10.1093/icesjms/fsp035 -- Dr. Victoria Todd Director OSC Limited Ocean House 4 Brewery Lane Belhaven, Dunbar East Lothian, Scotland EH42 1PD Mob: +44 (0)7719 489 415 Tel: +44 (0)1368 865 722 - Switchboard (upgrading; expect disruption) Fax: +44 (0)1368 865 729 www.oceanscienceconsulting.com

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Proceedings of the Animal-Borne Imaging Symposium
by DRappapo＠ngs.org 04 Mar '09

04 Mar '09

National Geographic’s Remote Imaging Department would like to announce the publication of the Proceedings from the first Animal-Borne Imaging Symposium. Animal-borne imaging is a growing discipline that integrates video, audio, environmental, geospatial and physiological data collection in an animal-borne instrument. Recording from the animal's point of view, without human presence, it enables unobtrusive study of difficult-to-observe animal behavior. In recent years, ever-miniaturizing video and digital technologies have enabled smaller, more streamlined, and more robust data-rich systems to be developed. This progression has led to more deployments on more species, which has resulted in an expanding body of statistically-supported assertions of novel behaviors and ecological relationships that have far-reaching conservation and management implications. We wanted to provide a venue for researchers to share and celebrate their experiences using these imaging systems, so in October 2007, the National Geographic Society hosted the first-ever Animal-Borne Imaging Symposium at its headquarters in Washington DC. More than fifty researchers from around the world participated in this inaugural conference, and over the three days, delegates gave some 50 presentations, and hosted two dozen additional panels, films, and student/teacher activities exploring this concept. To encapsulate this knowledge, and make it available for reference, we've published our Animal-Borne Imaging Symposium Proceedings. Those interested in obtaining a free copy of the book can download the PDF (14MB) by clicking on the “Animal-Borne Imaging Symposium Proceedings” link from the following webpage: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/abis/. Regards, Danielle Rappaport Program Coordinator Remote Imaging Department National Geographic Society

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2 MMO Positions
by Iris Balderas 04 Mar '09

04 Mar '09

Hello - I was referred to this email to post my two Marine Mammal Observer positions. Both positions are available immediately. Please feel free to call me with any questions. Sr. Marine Mammal Observer: 7-10 years experience A Marine Mammal Observer shall be the individual who keeps watch for mammals during seismic operations. This individual must be trained at observing and identifying marine mammals in compliance with the most recent NTL issued by the Minerals Management service. This individual will maintain proper records and documentation, and communicate findings to Company. This position shall have knowledge of industry Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE) standards and Company reporting requirements. Associate Marine Mammal Observer 3-5 years experience A Marine Mammal Observer shall be the individual who keeps watch for mammals during seismic operations. This individual must be trained at observing and identifying marine mammals in compliance with the most recent NTL issued by the Minerals Management service. This individual will maintain proper records and documentation, and communicate findings to Company. This position shall have knowledge of industry Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE) standards and Company reporting requirements. Thank you so much!!! Iris Balderas Recruitment Consultant Fircroft Group Tel: +1 713 235 8100 Fax: +1 713 235 8199 Email: IBalderas(a)fircroft.com Web: www.fircroft.com <http://www.fircroft.com/> Address: 5100 Westheimer Road, Suite 430, Houston, Texas, TX 77056 ********************************************************************* The information in this e-mail is intended for the addressee only. If you have received this e-mail in error please notify us immediately, destroy any copies and delete it from your computer system. Whilst we run anti-virus software on all internet e-mails we are not liable for any loss or damage. The recipient is advised to run their own anti-virus software. We reserve the right to monitor and record e-mail messages sent to and from this address for the purposes of investigating or detecting any unauthorised use of its system and ensuring its effective operation. **********************************************************************

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FW: Philippines melon headed whale stranding
by Michael Stocker 04 Mar '09

04 Mar '09

Dear MARMAM folks, Does anyone know the current disposition the February 11 Manila Bay melon-headed whale stranding event? There are a few conflicting reports form the area from the press, but so far I have not found any unambiguous account or clear hypotheses on the potential cause. Apparently there were necropsies on four individuals performed by Dr. Lemnuel Aragones of Ocean Adventure in Subic Freeport, and tissues were sent out to the Philippines Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. Any additional information would be deeply appreciated. Please contact me directly at mstocker(a)OCR.org Regards, Michael Stocker www.OCR.org

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VACANCY ANNOUCEMENT FOR A SENIOR RESEARCH SCIENTIST - SMRU LTD
by recruitment 04 Mar '09

04 Mar '09

SMRU Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of St Andrews that provides cutting edge scientific advice to industry and government. Working closely with the University of St Andrews, in particular the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) and the Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM), SMRU Ltd undertakes a wide variety of research contracts that build on the expertise within the respective organisations. Areas of work we are currently involved in include advising on potential impacts of marine renewable energy projects; providing guidance on marine mammal populations; assessing how wider commercial activities within the marine environment may affect marine organisms and developing tools through which users can access high quality marine environmental data. SMRU Ltd is at an exciting stage in our development and we are now looking for a motivated, experienced individual to apply for this new post to join and augment our existing team of scientists based in St Andrews. MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES The successful applicant will take up a key position in an interesting and dynamic environment and be meticulous in their approach to work undertaking a range of duties. You will provide scientific advice and have responsibility for leading a range of research projects and will also be expected to give input to the writing of tenders, producing scientific reports and liaising with Government agencies, Industry and NGO's. Much of the work specialises in marine mammal visual and acoustic monitoring survey techniques and the successful candidate would be expected to be familiar with the appropriate field techniques both in theory and in practice. QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS Essential Skills 4 Educated to PhD level in applied marine science with relevant research or proven marketplace experience 4 Experience of planning and running large scale surveys for marine mammals 4 Experience of survey techniques (visual and acoustic monitoring including PAM techniques) for studying marine mammals 4 Experience/knowledge of spatial modelling techniques for analysing marine mammal data 4 Knowledge of primary scientific literature and proven, peer reviewed publication record 4 Proven ability to lead projects and work successfully within a small team and liaise with non-academic groups Desirable Skills 4 A background knowledge of the marine renewable industry would be beneficial 4 Experience of working on Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and knowledge of the environmental legislation in the UK 4 Competent in statistical data analysis and management and knowledge of the ESRI ArcGIS software would be advantageous Salary SMRU Ltd offers a competitive salary and is expected to be in the region of £30,000 - 35,000 p.a., dependent on qualifications and experience. To Apply If you believe you have the passion, commitment and skills then tell us why. Please apply in writing, preferably by email, by sending your CV, together with a covering letter outlining your suitability, to recruitment(a)smru.co.uk or by post to Fiona Skilbeck, SMRU Limited, New Technology Centre, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9SR. CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 27th MARCH 2009 Fiona Skilbeck SMRU Limited New Technology Centre North Haugh ST ANDREWS Fife KY16 9SR email: recruitment(a)smru.co.uk www.smru.co.uk <http://www.smru.co.uk/> Switch: +44 (0)1334 479100 Fax: +44 (0)1334 477878 www.smru.co.uk <http://www.smru.co.uk/> P Please consider whether you really need a hard copy of this email before printing it - thank you. NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY: This message, and any attachments, are intended solely for the addressee and may contain privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on it, is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you believe that you have received this email in error, please contact the sender immediately and destroy this email. Although we have taken steps to ensure that this email and any attachments are free from any virus, we advise that, in keeping with good computing practice, the recipient should ensure they are actually virus free. SMRU LIMITED is a limited company registered in Scotland, Registered Number: 296937. Registered Office: 5 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh EH3 8EJ.

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Steller Sea Lion Field Camp Positions
by Kenady Reuland 02 Mar '09

02 Mar '09

Biological Technician position (May 18-Aug. 8, 2009) NOAA/NMFS/Alaska Fishery Science Center National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML), Seattle, WA Alaska Ecosystem Program/Steller sea lion field camps Aquatic Farms (Ltd. of Honolulu, Hawaii), a contractor for The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Alaska Fishery Science Center, is soliciting cover letters and resumes for the upcoming 2009 field season to study the western stock of endangered Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in Alaska. This work is part of a long-term annual population abundance and survival monitoring program. Duties include conducting counts, identifying individual sea lions by tags, brands, and natural markings, and monitoring reproduction and survival at remote field sites in Alaska. For general information about the program, visit this website: http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/nmml/alaska/ Employment will be from May 18-Aug 8, 2009. Between 1 and 6 new biological technicians will be contracted for the 2009 field season. Application information is listed below. The first week of employment (May 18-23, 2009) is spent in Seattle training. Attendance is mandatory and successful completion of training is required for all field team members each season. Food and lodging in Seattle are not provided. Transportation from Seattle to and from Alaska and the field site, food, and lodging in the field are provided. Field teams are typically in Alaska for 8-10 weeks. Field work is conducted by 2-4 member teams in remote camps located at either Ugamak Island (eastern Aleutian Islands) or Marmot Island (central Gulf of Alaska). All personnel are expected to perform daily research duties as well as camp maintenance (chopping wood, hauling water, cooking, and compost toilet maintenance etc). Participants are required to stay for the duration of the field season and there are no crew changes. Field stations are remote, there are no other residents on the islands, and outside communication is limited (no cell phone coverage and no email). Researchers live in small shelters at the various sites with no running water or electricity. Field stations are accessible only by ship or helicopter. Each camp is staffed with one field camp leader and 1-2 assistants. The camp leader serves as the senior person in the camp. Field camp leaders are responsible for field camp logistics and maintenance, ensuring that research goals are met and that safety protocols are followed, for ensuring that all data is entered and edited during the season, the return of field equipment and supplies, and producing an annual report at end of field season. Under the guidance of a field camp leader, field camp assistants help with camp preparation, data collection, data entry and editing, and field gear inventory and packing. All team members maintain a safe working environment for field personnel, participate in daily camp maintenance and operation, and assist with the return of field equipment and supplies at the end of the season. _Research Duties_: Research is conducted outdoors 7 days per week, often in inclement weather. Temperatures at field sites can range from 40 to 85 degrees. Fog, wind, and rain are common, with occasional snow early in the season. Personnel should be prepared to hike (> 5 miles) with a large heavy day pack, over rough uneven terrain, steep slopes, rocky ledges, and have no fear of heights or flying in helicopters. Observation stations are located on the edge of cliffs or overlooks above the sea lions. Observers will be expected to use binoculars and spotting scopes for long periods of time and be able to recognize markings or brands on sea lions. There is generally no animal handling during field camp operations. Sea lions should be unaware of the presence of biologists. Personnel should be in excellent physical condition with no preexisting health problems such as heart disease, severe allergies, depression, debilitating asthma or other ailments that will compromise their health or the healthy and safety of others in the camp or the completion of research duties. _Minimum Qualifications:_ Candidates must have an education in a biological science. A Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field with previous field experience is preferred. The ability to work well as a team and independently, with good communication and problem-solving skills is mandatory. Ability to follow detailed verbal and written instructions and data protocols is mandatory. Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and relational database programs such as Access is highly recommended. Field work, employment, or life experience in very remote settings is preferred. Current First Aid and CPR certification is required. Wilderness First Aid is highly recommended and candidates will be given extra consideration with this certification. Application Deadline: March 13, 2009 Please submit a cover letter and resume with employment history, education history, and the names and contact information (email and phone numbers) of three work related references to: Calinda "Cal" Goo Aquatic Farms, Ltd. 49-139 Kamehameha Hwy. Kaneohe, HI. 96744 (808) 239-2929 FAX: (808) 239-8436 officeafl(a)hawaii.rr.com And cc Kathryn Chumbley: kathryn.chumbley(a)noaa.gov

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SPACES STILL OPEN: Field Course in Cetacean Ecology - June 2009
by Kelly Melillo 02 Mar '09

02 Mar '09

GET OUT OF THE CLASSROOM....AND GET INTO THE FIELD! Looking for an exciting, hands-on summer course? The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP) has only a handful of openings left for our FIELD COURSE IN CETACEAN ECOLOGY in Bimini, Bahamas. DCP, a non-profit research and education group, has been studying Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins in this area since 2001. Dates: June 1 - 12, 2009 (Depart on June 13, 2009) Topics covered include but are not limited to: Introduction to cetacean biology Introduction to delphinid species of Bimini Boat-based surveys Photo-ID and video analysis During lectures, discussions and boat based surveys, students will learn species identification, photo-ID, techniques in surface observations (including GPS) and when possible, observe the animals under water and collect photograph and video data. Cost: $2,779* per person (USD) Receive a $105 discount if paying by check or money order! ($2,674*) Included: 12 nights accommodation (double occupancy*) 3 meals a day 8 half-day boat trips in search of dolphins 1 boat trip in search of reef sharks Gratuity Transportation from airport to hotel in Bimini Course instruction Certificate of completion Not included: Airfare to/from Bimini, Bahamas You must be at least 18 years old to participate. No previous experience with marine mammals or marine biology is required, however, all participants should be comfortable on a boat, snorkeling and working as a team. Course may be used for general enrichment or course credit; however the student is solely responsible for arranging credit with their home institution. This is your chance for a hands-on research experience with wild dolphins in the clear, warm waters of the Bahamas! Come join us! There are only a few slots left! For more information on this course, please contact Kelly Melillo at kmelillo(a)dolphincommunicationproject.org. For more information on the Bimini Travel Course program, follow this link. For more information on DCP, including a list of publications, please visit www.dolphincommunicationproject.org. A non-refundable deposit of 20% is due at the time of booking. Full payment is due 1 April 2009. *A supplemental fee of $600 is required for single occupancy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kelly Melillo Research Associate, Bimini Research Manager Dolphin Communication Project kmelillo(a)dolphincommunicationproject.org www.dolphincommunicationproject.org www.thedolphinpod.com

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Heavy metal toxicity in bottlenose dolphins
by Trish Lavery 01 Mar '09

01 Mar '09

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce a new paper published recently in Marine Environmental Research: Lavery TJ, Kemper CM, Sanderson K, Schultz CG, Coyle P, Mitchell JG, Seuront L. 2009. Heavy metal toxicity of kidney and bone tissues in South Australian adult bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). Marine Environmental Research, 67, 1 - 7. A PDF is available upon request: Trish.Lavery(a)flinders.edu.au ABSTRACT Metallothioneins (MT) concentration, renal damage, and bone malformations were investigated in 38 adult observed in dolphins showing evidence of more advanced renal damage. No significant differences in metal or selenium concentrations in the liver were observed between groups differing in level of bone malformations. Some dolphins displayed evidence of toxicity and knowledge of metal toxicity pathways were used to elucidate the cause of these abnormalities. Two dolphins had high metal burdens, high MT concentrations, renal damage, and evidence of bone malformations, indicating possible severe and prolonged metal toxicity. One dolphin showed evidence of renal damage, but the lack of any other symptoms suggests that this was unlikely to be caused by metal toxicity. We recommend examining a range of metal toxicity symptoms simultaneously to aid in distinguishing metal toxicity from unrelated aetiologies. The current work follows from a previous paper which documented high levels of some metals in South Australian bottlenose dolphins: Lavery TJ, Butterfield N, Kemper CM, Reid T, Sanderson K. 2008. Metals and selenium in the liver and bone of three dolphin species from South Australia, 1988 - 2004. Science of the Total Environment, 390, 77 - 85. Kindest thanks for your interest, Trish J Lavery PhD candidate Flinders University Trish.Lavery(a)flinders.edu.au https://www.scieng.flinders.edu.au/biology/people/academic/mitchell_j/msl/m… http://www.scieng.flinders.edu.au/biology/people/postgrad/lavery_t/index.ht… aduncus carcasses to determine any associations with cadmium, copper, zinc, mercury, lead and selenium. Significantly higher concentrations of cadmium, copper, and zinc in the liver were Stay connected to the people that matter most with a smarter inbox. Take a look http://au.docs.yahoo.com/mail/smarterinbox

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late registration starts for March & April MMO & PAM course
by Yvonne Miles 01 Mar '09

01 Mar '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. Please note that the late registration now applies for the UK March courses and Australian April course Registration will close two weeks before course starts. NOTE – There is ONLY ONE MMO COURSE IN MARCH 2009 We are now running Passive Acoustic Monitoring courses for MMOs March PAM course is 26th & 27th 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. 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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