June 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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Cetaceans and marine environment in the Gulf of California
by Mario A. Pardo 30 Jun '09

30 Jun '09

Greetings, The following M.Sc. Thesis (in Spanish) as been recently accepted as a partial fulfillment to obtain the degree of Master in Science with speciality in Marine Resources Management. PDF reprints are available upon request to the author (biomario(a)gmail.com or mpardor0600(a)ipn.mx) Pardo, M.A. (2009) Physicochemical and biological conditions modulating cetacean abundance on Alfonso Basin, Gulf of California. M.Sc. Thesis. Instituto Politecnico Nacional - Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas. La Paz, BCS, Mexico. 122p. Regards, -- Mario A. Pardo Instituto Politécnico Nacional Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas Departamento de Oceanologia Laboratorio de Ecología de Cetáceos y Quelonios La Paz, B.C.S. México Voz: (+521) 612 1404111 Correo: biomario(a)gmail.com mpardor0600(a)ipn.mx URL: www.cicimar.ipn.mx

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New publication on beaked whales and the bends
by Sascha Hooker 29 Jun '09

29 Jun '09

A pdf of the following paper is now available: Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology (in press). Could beaked whales get the bends? Effect of diving behaviour and physiology on modelled gas exchange for three species: Ziphius cavirostris, Mesoplodon densirostris and Hyperoodon ampullatus. Sascha K. Hooker (a), Robin W. Baird (b), Andreas Fahlman (c) (a) Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, Scotland, United Kingdom (b) Cascadia Research Collective, 218 1/2 West 4th Avenue, Olympia, Washington 98501, USA (c) Biology Department, Mailstop 50, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA Corresponding author: Dr. Andreas Fahlman (afahlman "at" whoi.edu) DOI information: 10.1016/j.resp.2009.04.023 The pdf is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.resp.2009.04.023 or via http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/ Abstract: A mathematical model, based on current knowledge of gas exchange and physiology of marine mammals, was used to predict blood and tissue tension N2 (PN2) using field data from three beaked whale species: northern bottlenose whales, Cuvier's beaked whales, and Blainville's beaked whales. The objective was to determine if physiology (body mass, diving lung volume, dive response) or dive behaviour (dive depth and duration, changes in ascent rate, diel behaviour) would lead to differences in PN2 levels and thereby decompression sickness (DCS) risk between species. Diving lung volume and extent of the dive response had a large effect on end-dive PN2. The dive profile had a larger influence on end-dive PN2 than body mass differences between species. Despite diel changes in dive behaviour, PN2 levels showed no consistent trend. Model output suggested that all three species live with tissue levels that would cause a significant proportion of DCS cases in terrestrial mammals. Cuvier's beaked whale diving behaviour appears to put them at higher risk than the other species, which may explain their prevalence in strandings after the use of mid-frequency sonar. Keywords: Northern bottlenose whale; Cuvier's beaked whale; Blainville's beaked whale; Decompression sickness; Diving physiology -- Dr Sascha K. Hooker Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Research Fellow Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, FIFE, KY16 8LB, UK Phone: 01334 467201 Email: s.hooker "at" st-andrews.ac.uk Website: www.st-and.ac.uk/~sh43/ The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532

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Six Beaked Whales stranded in Azores (URGENT)
by marc fernandez 28 Jun '09

28 Jun '09

Dear Colleagues, I want to report an unusual situation occurred during the last week and a half in São Miguel island, Azores, and ask for help in order to get some clear conclusions. During the last two weeks a total of *6 beaked whales stranded* on this small island, a really unusual fact. Of these *6 two were dead and 4 stranded alive *and returned to the open sea. From the first two animals (the dead ones) we only can get one identification and it was a Cuvier's Beaked Whale, probably an immature male. The other four animals stranded on a beach and they were returned to the sea immediately by the lifeguards and the coastal guard, for these reason we don't have a lot of information, but for the pictures they send us probably were Sowerby's Beaked Whales, we only now that they stranded alive and probably they were immature animals also, due to the body lenght (about 3.5 meters). We don't have any notice about military activities in the area, but is really difficult to get this kind of information, for this reason i want to ask you for help to find if there is any military or seismic prospection on the area that could affect these animals. Thanks for your help. All the best, Marc Fernandez Morron Universidade dos Açores

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Need information on entanglement of dolphins in bottom trawl lazy line
by scheinin 28 Jun '09

28 Jun '09

Dear MARMAM and ECS members, We are looking for information on entanglement of dolphins in bottom trawl lazy line. In Israel the local bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are frequently feeding behind bottom trawl boats. Unfortunately, during this interaction some get by-caught, and of these, about a third get entangled in the lazy line (lazy decky, hauling rope). Seemingly, as a result of playing and rubbing against the rope, it gets bound around their body between the flippers and the fluke, preventing their surfacing. Conservatism in fishing methodology, has so far precluded gear modification. Lately, we have accumulated enough cases to persuade Fishery Department officials to hold a meeting on the problem. In preparation, we would have liked to come up with some references from the Mediterranean Sea and elsewhere in the world, but could not find much information about this in the literature. Is anyone familiar with this problem and if and how was it solved? We understand that there are a few ways in which the lazy line is being used worldwide. The Israeli bottom trawl fleet is using a floating rope with about 6-8 meters extra length, which is tied outside the net, between the its wings and the cod end. A definite reply that this is not a problem with the local fleet would also be much appreciated, but please refer to the way the lazy line is being used in your area. Thank you for your help. Aviad Scheinin scheinin(a)research.haifa.ac.il / scheinin(a)013.net.il http://immrac.haifa.ac.il/ Chairman, IMMRAC - Israel Marine Mammal Research & Assistance center Ph.D Student, Department of Maritime Civilizations, Haifa University. The Recanati Institute for Maritime Studies, Haifa University Mount Carmel, Haifa 31905 Israel Home address: Tirat Shalom, P.B. 1356, Nes-Ziona 74052, Israel Tel 972-8-9406584 Mobile 052-3571193 Fax: 972-4-8240493

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Abstract: Persistent organic pollutants in 'southern resident' killer whales
by Robin W Baird 27 Jun '09

27 Jun '09

New publication Krahn, M.M., M.B. Hanson, G.S. Schorr, C.K. Emmons, D.G. Burrows, J.L. Bolton, R.W. Baird and G.M. Ylitalo. 2009. Effects of age, sex and reproductive status on persistent organic pollutant concentrations in "Southern Resident" killer whales. Marine Pollution Bulletin. doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2009.05.014 Abstract "Southern Resident" killer whales (Orcinus orca) that comprise three fish-eating "pods" (J,K and L) were listed as "endangered" in the US and Canada following a 20% population decline between 1996 and 2001. Blubber biopsy samples from Southern Resident juveniles had statistically higher concentrations of certain persistent organic pollutants than were found for adults. Most Southern Resident killer whales, including the four juveniles, exceeded the health-effects threshold for total PCBs in marine mammal blubber. Maternal transfer of contaminants to the juveniles during rapid development of their biological systems may put these young whales at greater risk than adults for adverse health effects (e.g., immune and endocrine system dysfunction). Pollutant ratios and field observations established that two of the pods (K- and L-pod) travel to California to forage. Nitrogen stable isotope values, supported by field observations, indicated possible changes in the diet of L-pod over the last decade. PDFs available from the senior author (peggy.krahn(a)noaa.gov) or www.cascadiaresearch.org Robin ======================================================== Robin W. Baird, Ph.D. Research Biologist Cascadia Research Collective 218 1/2 W. 4th Avenue Olympia, WA 98501 USA Fax 1-360-943-7026 e-mail: rwbaird(a)cascadiaresearch.org www.cascadiaresearch.org/robin/hawaii.htm www.cascadiaresearch.org/robin/kwindex.htm

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Marine Mammal RFP Announcement
by Stephanie Pendergrass 24 Jun '09

24 Jun '09

Hello! Could you please distribute this Request for Proposals for marine mammal research, funded through the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission? Thank you! The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission, announces the availability of grant funding in the following five research and conservation areas: * Marine Mammals and Climate Change in the Arctic Ocean and Bering Sea * Calibration of New Methods for Surveying Marine Mammals * Alternative Observer Coverage for Marine Mammal Species at High Risk from Fishery Interactions * Building Capacity for Marine Mammal Research and Conservation in the Caribbean Region * Assessment and Conservation of Sirenians All persons, organizations, and agencies are eligible to apply, including parties within and outside the United States. Applications for funding for land or easement acquisition, political advocacy, lobbying, or litigation will not be considered. The Commission expects that the majority of awards under this program will fall in the range of $25,000 to $125,000. However, the Commission has not specified upper or lower limits to award size, other than that the total amount of awards is not expected to be greater than $400,000. Funding is provided by the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission. Pre-proposals are due on August 5, 2009. To see the full RFP and apply online, visit www.nfwf.org/marinemammals. Stephanie Pendergrass Assistant Director, Marine Programs National Fish and Wildlife Foundation 1133 Fifteenth St., N.W. Suite 1100 Washington, D.C. 20005 202-857-0166 (main) 202-595-2469 (direct) 202-857-0162 (fax) stephanie.pendergrass(a)nfwf.org www.nfwf.org

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Defenders of Wildlife Marine/Terrestrial Carnivore Conference Call for Exhibitors and Sponsors
by Jim Curland 24 Jun '09

24 Jun '09

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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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Wild Bottlenose Dolphin Research Internship
by Jason Allen 22 Jun '09

22 Jun '09

*Sarasota** Dolphin Research Program Internships* The Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP), based at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida, is the world’s longest-running wild dolphin research program. The program’s goal is to contribute to a better understanding of the structure and dynamics of populations of small cetaceans, as well as the natural and anthropogenic factors that impact them. The SDRP uses an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach in conducting studies of bottlenose dolphins within Sarasota Bay, Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and the Gulf of Mexico coastal waters. For more information about the SDRP, please visit: TUwww.sarasotadolphin.orgUT <http://www.sarasotadolphin.org/>. The SDRP is in the process of selecting volunteer interns for the spring 2010 internship program (a minimum of 10 weeks of participation during 4 January – 7 May). The successful candidates will participate in at least two research projects: 1) *Dolphin population monitoring project* (www.sarasotadolphin.org/Ecology/monitoring_2009.asp) This study will continue to monitor the resident bottlenose dolphin community in Sarasota Bay. Duties in the field will include assisting with boat-based photographic identification surveys for dolphin groups. Behavioral, location, individual, and environmental data will be recorded for each dolphin group. While in the lab, work will generally involve photo-identification of dolphins, computer data entry, dolphin dorsal fin identification catalog maintenance, equipment maintenance and other duties (approx. 75% time); 2) *Dolphin prey** and habitat use project* (www.sarasotadolphin.org/Ecology/red_tide_prey_2009.asp) This study will use the Sarasota dolphin community and fish populations to study predator-prey interactions and bioacoustics, specifically helping us to understand relationships between distributions of dolphins and their prey and factors that affect fish community ecology, such as red tide. While in the field, work will involve sampling of fish communities through purse seining techniques, recording of fish sounds via hydrophone and collection of other environmental data (approx. 25% time). There is no compensation for these internship positions and successful applicants will be responsible for their own living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. Shared housing opportunities near Mote Marine Laboratory may be available (cost: $75/week). Scholarships are available from Mote Marine Laboratory through a competitive application process. Applicants would ideally have the following qualifications: *Minimum of 18 years of age and engaged in or recently completed undergraduate studies; *A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or a related field; *Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (especially Excel and Access); *Some field research experience preferred but not required; *Must be able to swim; *Enthusiasm and desire to learn a variety of field and lab based research methods; *A willingness to spend a minimum of 10 weeks working full time with our program. *To apply for a Sarasota Dolphin Research Program internship, interested persons should:* 1) Fill out an application form by at Mote Marine Laboratory’s website (TUwww.mote.org/internsUT <http://www.mote.org/>). Be sure to select “Sarasota Dolphin Research Program” as your first choice; 2) Complete and provide to Mote’s intern office all other application materials including: a statement of interest, current college transcript, letter of recommendation, and /curriculum vitae/; 3) Send a brief email to the SDRP’s Lab Manager (Jason Allen, TUallenjb(a)mote.orgUT <mailto:allenjb@mote.org>) stating your name, contact information, *exact* dates and duration of availability and that you have provided all of your application materials to the Mote intern office, as detailed above. All applications will be reviewed; those received by September 15P^thP will be given first priority. Applicants may contact Jason Allen (941-388-4441 ext. 452, TUallenjb(a)mote.orgUT <mailto:allenjb@mote.org>) in the SDRP with any questions. -- Jason Allen Lab Manager, Field Coordinator Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Chicago Zoological Society c/o Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 Tel: 941.388.4441 ext. 452 Fax: 941.388.4223

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