April 2009 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Marine Mammal Scientist and Passive Acoustic Monitoring System (PAMS) Operational Technician Vacancies
by Nick Robinson 26 Oct '10

26 Oct '10

Gardline Environmental Ltd is a member of the Gardline Marine Sciences Limited Group of Companies and are a successful Environmental contractor, operating a fleet of inshore boats, conducting major integrated offshore projects on a worldwide basis and inshore projects for major clients in the UK and overseas. As part of our continued growth there are immediate vacancies for the following positions: PAMS OPERATIONAL TECHNICIAN As a PAMS Operational Technician you will be responsible for the maintenance, despatch and receipt of all PAMS equipment. In addition, you will be expected to keep up to date with national and international development of PAMS and implement accordingly. Applicants will ideally be of degree calibre or equivalent in a relevant discipline and possess a full comprehension with the technical composition and use of PAMS. Ideally the candidate would have an understanding of marine mammals, their biology and identification and previous marine survey experience would be advantageous. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENTIST Reporting to the current Marine Wildlife Business Manager, you will be expected to undertaken and develop the application of marine mammal observations, monitoring and recording systems, the compilation and preparation of reports and the processing of observational data and possess a sound knowledge marine mammals, their biology and identification. Ideally you will be of degree calibre or equivalent, and demonstrate the ability to lead and develop projects from implementation to completion and illustrate sound commercial awareness. You will need to be a confident individual with a can do attitude and enjoy being challenged. Previous relevant marine oil and gas or renewable energy industry experience is advantageous. Both positions require the individual to spend in the region of 60 days at sea, dependent on project requirements, with the remaining time being office based (Great Yarmouth). As well as a competitive salary, these roles also include offshore allowances and a range of employee benefits, such as; personal and professional development, a further range of employee benefits and world wide travel opportunities. To apply for these positions please email your CV and covering letter to Allan Tucker, Recruitment Officer on recruitment(a)gardline.com. Closing date: 8th April 2009 Nick Robinson ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY - This e-mail and any attached files contain information that is confidential and/or may be subject of legal privilege, intended only for use by the addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, please be advised that you have received this message in error and that any dissemination, copying or use of this message or attachment is strictly forbidden, as is the disclosure of the information therein. If you have received this message in error please notify the sender immediately and preserve this confidentiality by deleting the message. No binding contract will result from this e-mail until and unless an officer, on behalf of the sender, signs a written document. Sender accepts no responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of this message as it has been transmitted over public networks. Unless otherwise specifically stated any views or opinions are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the sender Company.

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New paper - Dolphins and African apes: comparisons of sympatric socio-ecology
by Maddalena Bearzi 24 Jun '09

24 Jun '09

Dear Colleagues, This is to announce a new paper in the current issue of Contributions of Zoology entitled " Dolphins and African apes: comparisons of sympatric socio-ecology " co-authored by myself and Craig B. Stanford. Abstract Dolphins and African apes are distantly related mammalian taxa that exhibit striking convergences in their socioecology. In both cetaceans and African apes, two or more closely related species sometimes occur in sympatry. However, detailed reviews of the ways in which sympatric associations of dolphins and apes are similar have not been done. As fi eld studies of dolphins and apes have accumulated, comparisons of how the two groups avoid direct food competition when in sympatry have become possible. In this paper we review sympatric ecology among dolphins and African apes, and examine convergences in species-associations in each taxa. We review evidence for hypotheses that seek to explain avoidance of food competition, and consider whether ape-dolphin similarities in this area may be related to the way in which social groups in both taxa optimally exploit their food resources. For a free PDF copy please visit: http://dpc.uba.uva.nl/cgi/t/text/get-pdf?c=ctz;idno=7604a03 or send requests to: mbearzi(a)earthlink.net Regards, Maddalena Bearzi ______________________________ Maddalena Bearzi, Ph.D. Ocean Conservation Society, President P.O. Box 12860 Marina del Rey, CA 90295 - USA ph.310.8225205, fax 310.8225729 mbearzi(a)earthlink.net http://www.oceanconservation.org

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Compendium of whale watch guidelines and information
by Carole Carlson 29 Apr '09

29 Apr '09

Dear MARMAMERS, Each year the compendium " A review of whale watch guidelines and regulations around the world" is updated and posted on the website of the International Whaling Commission, http://www.iwcoffice.org/index.htm. I would greatly appreciate any new, relevant information for the compendium. Please email any new or revised guidelines, regulations or codes of conduct for boat-based, land-based or swim-with programs to science(a)whalewatch.com before 15 May . Many thanks! Carole Carlson Ph. D. Dir Research and Education Dolphin Fleet, Provincetown MA email: <mailto:science@whalewatch.com> science(a)whalewatch.com

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DNA-based diet Publication
by Glenn Dunshea 28 Apr '09

28 Apr '09

Hi Marmamers, Here is a publication on a widely applicable DNA-diet method. The example provided is of an exact method applicable to most odontocete's, with data from bottlenose dolphins. Citation: Dunshea G (2009) DNA-Based Diet Analysis for Any Predator. PLoS ONE 4(4): e5252. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0005252 Abstract Background Prey DNA from diet samples can be used as a dietary marker; yet current methods for prey detection require a priori diet knowledge and/or are designed ad hoc, limiting their scope. I present a general approach to detect diverse prey in the feces or gut contents of predators. Methodology/Principal Findings In the example outlined, I take advantage of the restriction site for the endonuclease Pac I which is present in 16S mtDNA of most Odontoceti mammals, but absent from most other relevant non-mammalian chordates and invertebrates. Thus in DNA extracted from feces of these mammalian predators Pac I will cleave and exclude predator DNA from a small region targeted by novel universal primers, while most prey DNA remain intact allowing prey selective PCR. The method was optimized using scat samples from captive bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) fed a diet of 6–10 prey species from three phlya. Up to five prey from two phyla were detected in a single scat and all but one minor prey item (2% of the overall diet) were detected across all samples. The same method was applied to scat samples from free-ranging bottlenose dolphins; up to seven prey taxa were detected in a single scat and 13 prey taxa from eight teleost families were identified in total. Conclusions/Significance Data and further examples are provided to facilitate rapid transfer of this approach to any predator. This methodology should prove useful to zoologists using DNA-based diet techniques in a wide variety of study systems. And a link to the article: http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0005252 Cheers, Glenn

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Abstract submission deadline is 30 April - Biennial conference of the SMM
by Lesage, Veronique 27 Apr '09

27 Apr '09

SOCIETY FOR MARINE MAMMALOGY 18th BIENNIAL CONFERENCE, 12-16 October 2009 in quebec city, Canada This is a reminder that the deadline for abstract submission is fast approaching. Abstract submissions will be accepted until 30 April 2009, at Midnight. We will be monitoring the abstract submission process and website. In the event of a traffic jam, we recommend that you try submitting your abstract at a later time; we will maintain the website open to abstract submission a bit longer, so please, don't give up and try again. We have received 25 applications for pre-conference workshops and symposia, and we will be able to accommodate all of them. Please visit the conference webpage to find out about the list of workshops, and to register on-line (http://www.marinemammalscience.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=ca tegory&id=918&Itemid=215). We encourage you to register early, and to visit the conference webpage regularly to find out about new additions to the program (http://www.marinemammalscience.org/conference) TRAVEL AND ACCOMODATION Experient has negotiated room rates for Biennial participants at the Hilton and Delta hotels. Both hotels are right beside the conference centre and a block away from the walls of the Old City and its restaurants, pubs, etc. (http://www.marinemammalscience.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=ar ticle&id=227&Itemid=211). We strongly urge you to stay at one of these hotels as these preferred rates were negotiated based on filling a minimum number of rooms. If we do not achieve the minimums, then the society will have to pay a penalty. If we exceed the block booking, then the conference is able to collect free rooms that it can then make available for third world participants. We are looking very much forward to see you in the Old City of Quebec for a conference to be remembered!!! Mike Hammill Conference chair congres_smm2009(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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MM Field Course in Belize: 2 openings left
by Caryn Self-Sullivan 24 Apr '09

24 Apr '09

Want to be a Marine Mammal Biologist? Or perhaps a Behavioral Ecologist? Here's your chance to challenge yourself under the tutelage of Drs. Caryn Self-Sullivan, Bruce Schulte, and Katie LaCommare during two intense weeks of total immersion into the world of animal behavior, manatees, bottlenose dolphins, and marine ecology in Belize! Become totally immersed into island living, behavioral ecology and marine biology through lectures and learning activities, literature review, debate, projects, and field research. This unique field course combines an overview of the ecology, behavior, and conservation of sirenians and cetaceans with hands-on manatee & dolphin research in the Drowned Cayes, Belize, a pristine mangrove/seagrass/coral ecosystem just 15 minutes offshore from Belize City. Get out of the classroom! You'll spend 3-4 hours on the water each day learning about the environment as we explore a labyrinth of mangrove islands, seagrass beds, and coral patches searching for elusive manatees and charismatic dolphins. You'll collect behavioral and environmental data and learn about photo-id techniques; you'll develop a Fact Sheet or Activity Booklet about a related topic to be published by the Hugh Parkey Foundation for Marine Awareness & Education and/or Sirenian International. Extra-curricular activities include diving or snorkeling at Turneffe Atoll, and exploring an ancient Maya City. This unique course has a work load equivalent to 4 university credit hours and is divided into 4 major components: lectures and learning activities (~1 hour per day), independent reading and assignments (~2 hour per day), data collection in the field (~4 hours per day), project development (~1 hours per day) and debate/group discussion of reading materials (~1 hours per day). Want credit towards your degree? No problem! Sign up for independent study with an advisor at your school and pay the appropriate fees. The course has 70 contact hours and is comparable to a 4 credit university course. Just have you advisor contact Dr. Self-Sullivan (cselfsullivan@georgiasouthern. edu) to discuss the requirements for credit. COSTS: $2595 includes housing, meals, field trips, ground & water transfer fees, research & materials fees, books; DOES NOT include airfare, tips, or credit hours REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 1st Dr. Caryn Self-Sullivan, Instructor I: http://www.sirenian.org/caryn.html Dr. Bruce Schulte, Instructor II: http://www.bio.georgiasouthern.edu/bio-home/schulte/schulte-home.html ABD, Katie LaCommare, Instructor III: Course Flyer: http://sirenian.org/CourseFlyer2009.pdf Location: http://belizeadventurelodge.com Syllabus: http://www.sirenian.org/CourseSyllabus2009.html Registration: http://sirenian.org/RegistrationForm2009.pdf Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D. President & Co-founder, Sirenian International Temporary Assistant Professor, Georgia Southern University Mobile: 540.287.8207 | Fax: 540.242.9196 Email: caryns(a)sirenian.org OR cselfsullivan(a)georgiasouthern.edu The mission of Sirenian International is to promote the long-term conservation of manatee and dugong populations and our shared aquatic habitats around the world through research, educational outreach, and capacity building. Please remember us when budgeting for your charitable donations. Adopt a Mermaid Ambassador or Donate online at http://www.sirenian.org.

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Info request for Fixed PAM review paper
by Renata S. Sousa-Lima 24 Apr '09

24 Apr '09

Dear list-members: We are writing a review of fixed passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) technologies for marine mammals and automated detection and classification methods that can be used to process the large amounts of data collected from these systems. The review will consist of the following topics: 1. Fixed Autonomous Underwater Recorders 2. Fixed cabled and radio-linked hydrophones (and hydrophone arrays) 3. Automated detection & classifications methods (e.g. computer algorithms). We are requesting information from list-members on these technologies and techniques, particularly those that may not be published in the peer-reviewed literature and/or products or efforts that are not otherwise easily available. In return we would be willing to provide anyone with information an extensive bibliography on these topics as an endnote (bibliographic database) or text file. We have provided some additional details on each of these 3 topics below. 1. Fixed Autonomous Underwater Recorders Please include information about the development of the device; capability to record other types of data besides sounds; ability to automatically detect/classify/localize sounds; depth rating including maximum deployment depth (m), instrument retrieval and deployment configuration; maximum deployment time; maximum sampling frequency; type of power supply and energy capacity; type of data storage; data format; microprocessor used; custom software used, if any; examples of species studied; number of channels; system configuration, including dimensions and weight, deployment, and other retrieval issues; any known noise issues; availability; and potential areas for further development. 2. Fixed-cabled and radio-lined hydrophone systems We are interested in information about commercial, non-profit and academic efforts to develop, operate, and use fixed cabled hydrophones and radio-linked hydrophones for monitoring marine mammal sounds. We are especially interested in reports and unpublished information about the design and application of these technologies for marine mammal studies. Information about commercial products and services are welcome if they are relevant to the topics listed above. 3. Automated detection & classifications methods (e.g. computer algorithms). We are looking for information regarding software or algorithms that can be used for the automatic detection and classification of marine mammal sounds (ie whale calls, dolphin whistles, echolocation, etc). Although any details would be helpful, we are specifically interested in detailed information about methods used and the success rate/false positive rate of detection and classification algorithms, audio formats supported user-friendliness of the software, whether the software can be used in real-time, for post-processing or both, and availability and cost of the software. Also, any references or reports either describing the software or studies in which it has been used would be greatly appreciated. Please respond to: fixed.pam(a)gmail.com We appreciate any replies. Cheers, Tom Norris Bio-Waves Inc Julie Oswald University of Hawaii Renata S. Sousa-Lima Cornell BRP

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New publication - Changes in the catch composition attributable to dolphin depredation
by Delphine Rocklin 24 Apr '09

24 Apr '09

Dear Marmamers, I would like to inform you about a new paper recently published in ICES Journal of Marine Science. * D. Rocklin, MC. Santoni, JM. Culioli, JA. Tomasini, D. Pelletier and D. Mouillot* (2009). "*Changes in the catch composition of artisanal fisheries attributable to dolphin depredation in a Mediterranean marine reserve*".*ICES Journal of Marine Science *, 66(4): 699-707. This article is available from: http://icesjms.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/66/4/699 ** ABSTRACT There is increasing evidence from previous studies, and from fishers’ observations, that coastal dolphins use fishing nets as an easily accessible feeding source, damaging or depredating fish caught in the nets. This study investigates the impact of dolphin depredation on artisanal trammelnets by analysing the catch composition of 614 artisanal fishing operations in the Bonifacio Strait Natural Reserve (France). Common bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) attacked, on average, 12.4% of the nets and damaged 8.3% of the catch. However, attacked nets were characterized by statistically significantly higher catch per unit effort than unattacked ones. Catch composition also differed significantly after dolphin attacks; bentho-pelagic fish were more represented and reef-associated fish less represented. Our results suggest that (i) dolphins are attracted by high fish densities in the fishing area and/or nets, and (ii) their attacks induce specific fish-avoidance behaviour, according to the fish position in the water column. Although dolphins depredate a small part of the catch, damage to nets, not yet assessed in this area, could weaken the benefits that reserves can provide to artisanal fisheries. Best regards, Delphine Rocklin.

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Hot off the Press: Sirenews No. 51 April 2009
by Caryn Self-Sullivan 23 Apr '09

23 Apr '09

The latest issue of Sirenews is now available online at http://www.sirenian.org/sirenews/51APR2009.pdf! In this issue: * REPORT AND ABSTRACTS from the 2009 INTERNATIONAL SIRENIAN CONSERVATION CONFERENCE (ATLANTA, GEORGIA: MARCH 23-24, 2009) * MANATEE BROCHURES AVAILABLE from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission * WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENT: "Improving the Contribution of Marine Protected Areas to the Conservation of Sirenians", International Marine Conservation Congress, organized by the Marine Section of the Society for Conservation Biology, May 21-24, 2009, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA * FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES! * WEST AFRICAN MANATEE CONSERVATION PROGRAMME (Trichechus senegalensis) * FINALIZATION OF THE NATIONAL DUGONG CONSERVATION STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR INDONESIA * LOCAL NEWS from Australia, Senegal, and Alabama (USA) Sirenews (ISSN 1017-3439) is the official newsletter of the IUCN/SSC Sirenia Specialist Group. Sirenews appears twice a year in April and October and is edited by Cynthia R. Taylor, Wildlife Trust, 1601 3rd Street S., Suite F, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 USA, and James A. Powell, Sea to Shore Alliance, 200 2nd Ave. S., #315, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Publication is supported by the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission. Submission deadlines are April 1 and October 1. Material may be submitted by e-mail to: Cynthia Taylor (taylor(a)wildlifetrust.org) IMPORTANT NOTE: Sirenews is an informal forum, not to be considered citable, formally-published literature; it is NOT "peer-reviewed", and contributions to it should not be quoted without the written permission of the author. The opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of IUCN or other organizations. PDF Format: http://www.sirenian.org/sirenews/51APR2009.pdf HTML Format: http://www.sirenian.org/sirenews/51APR2009.html Back issues are archived by Sirenian International and can be downloaded from http://www.sirenian.org/sirenews.html Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D. President & Co-founder, Sirenian International Temporary Assistant Professor, Georgia Southern University Mobile: 540.287.8207 | Fax: 540.242.9196 Email: caryns(a)sirenian.org OR cselfsullivan(a)georgiasouthern.edu The mission of Sirenian International is to promote the long-term conservation of manatee and dugong populations and our shared aquatic habitats around the world through research, educational outreach, and capacity building. Please remember us when budgeting for your charitable donations. Adopt a Mermaid Ambassador or Donate online at http://www.sirenian.org.

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Update and continuing concerns regarding Incidental Harassment Authorisation for L-DEO marine seismic survey in SE Asia
by Christina MacFarquhar 23 Apr '09

23 Apr '09

Dear all Further to previous posts on this issue, in February this year a number of NGOs and individuals wrote to the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) expressing concern over the proposed transect lines and noise impact mitigation measures for the Lamont-Doherty Earth Institute (L-DEO) marine seismic survey in the waters of southeast Asia, planned to take place from March 21 to July 14, 2009. (See below for links to comments and other documents mentioned here.) On March 31, the NMFS granted LDEO an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) for this survey, for which LDEO had provided a Supplemental Environmental Assessment (SEA) on March 27. Several issues have arisen from this new version of the seismic survey plans. First, the SEA and the IHA do reflect consideration of the concerns expressed during the comment period, and some changes have been made to reduce potential impacts. For those changes that will potentially reduce impacts on marine mammals in the region, credit is due to all who took the time to express their opinions and concerns, and to L-DEO and the NMFS for making those changes. The changes include rescheduling to reduce impacts on humpback whales wintering and calving in the Babuyan Islands and the re-routing of the transect lines through the Taiwan Strait. Regarding the latter, transect lines along the west coast of Taiwan are to be moved offshore by ~ 20 km to protect the Critically Endangered population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (condition 10 (w) in the IHA), and surveying has been limited to waters greater than 150 km from the mainland side of the Taiwan Strait “to reduce potential for effects on Western Pacific gray whales, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (*Sousa chinensis*), and finless porpoises” (condition 10 (u)). Furthermore, seismic operations are limited to waters deeper than 50 m (condition 10 (aa)). These conditions effectively prevent L-DEO from surveying the majority of the Taiwan Strait, most of which is between 120 km and 180 km wide and typically narrower than 170 km throughout the waters adjacent to the ETS humpback dolphin habitat, and some of which is shallower than 50 m at a distance of more than 20 km from the Taiwan coast. Noting, however, that the second leg of the survey, which includes a transect line through the Taiwan Strait, is still scheduled to go ahead on May 3 according to the new SEA, several Taiwanese and US groups (Wild at Heart, CSI, HSI and NRDC) requested clarification. The response from the NMFS is that, having already issued the IHA and with the first leg of the survey already underway, NMFS is now changing the conditions of the IHA in order to allow L-DEO to carry out the second leg of the survey. Written clarification is expected before the second leg begins, but the suggestion is that the original logic upon which those conditions were based is to be abandoned in order to allow the project to proceed. Another point of concern relates to the recommendation by a number of independent reviewers that seismic survey effort should be suspended at night due to the difficulty of detecting cetaceans. L-DEO has decided not to adopt this measure and the IHA supports this decision. L-DEO states in the SEA that night time shut-down is “not feasible, as limiting the surveys to daytime only would either result in the loss of half of the data or would necessitate doubling the duration of the project. Doubling the duration of the surveys is not possible because the Langseth has other research commitments after this cruise, and because of weather conditions associated with the typhoon season”. In addition to other improved impact mitigation measures for seismic surveys in general that we hope may result from the comments provided on this project, it is suggested that in future night time shut-down procedures be incorporated into seismic surveys at a sufficiently early stage that research commitments, weather and other issues can be addressed and plans adjusted accordingly. Finally, the IHA (condition 10 (a)) also exempts L-DEO from carrying out marine mammal observations during meal times. While all concerned can appreciate the observers’ need for rest and food as well as the importance of this for their effectiveness, the implication that during unspecified periods of time some or potentially all of which will be during daylight hours (the only hours during which MMVOs can be effective) there will be no marine mammal observation is as much cause for concern as the decision not to cease operations at night. This problem could easily be remedied by increasing the number of MMVOs onboard and organizing shifts. This ongoing L-DEO survey and its approval process are a useful case study for anyone concerned with incidental takes of marine mammals by seismic surveys worldwide. The various comment periods stimulated increased participation by regional and species’ experts, demonstrating the value of increased scientific participation; more comments were received and incorporated into the eventual operation than any previous L-DEO event. L-DEO may have accepted that it is more efficient to openly engage appropriate experts during operational planning; it is evident that better planning and regulatory oversight would have prevented last-minute, legally questionable acceptance of inadequate mitigations because of the cost and scheduling of the operation. In addition to this event as a reality-check of U.S. regulatory oversight limitations, the complications of operating in other nations’ EEZs and territorial waters are a worthy case study in themselves. Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association welcomes further comment and discussion on this ongoing issue. Please write to Christina MacFarquhar at chrisgagele(a)gmail.com. Links: Public comments on the EA (up to 5 February): http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/permits/taiger_comments.pdf (see pages 17-213 reviews and comments). Incidental Harassment Authorisation: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/permits/taiger_iha-issued.pdf Supplemental EA: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/permits/taiger_ea-supplemental.pdf Scientific reviews of the environmental assessment for the project: Eastern Taiwan Strait Sousa Technical Advisory Working Group (ETSSTAWG) review:click here<http://en.wildatheart.org.tw/archives/Review%20of%20Taiwan%20seismic%20surv…> Anonymous review by marine mammal scientist with considerable experience in the region:click here<http://en.wildatheart.org.tw/archives/SEAsiaLDEOreview_28.1.09.pdf> Older documents: Federal Register notice: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/fr/fr73-78294.pdf L-DEO application for IHA: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/permits/taiger_iha.pdf L-DEO EA: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/permits/taiger_ea.pdf Once again, anyone wishing to contact the NMFS concerning this issue should write to: Michael Payne Chief, Permits Conservation and Education Division Office of Protected Resources National Marine Fisheries Service 1315 East-West Highway Silver Spring, MD, 20910–3225 michael.payne(a)noaa.gov. -- Christina MacFarquhar Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association 12F, 86 Chongcing South Road Section 1 Taipei, Taiwan 100 Tel 886-2-2382-5789 Fax 886-2-2382-5810 www.wildatheart.org.tw/ Member organisation of Matsu's Fish Conservation Union: www.taiwansousa.blogspot.com

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